Your Answer: never

You indicated that you never behave as a steward of your possessions. The Bible teaches that God made the world and all that is in it and that everything you have comes from His gracious hands. For most people, the idea of God’s ownership is not hard to mentally assent to but can be terribly challenging to functionally live out. Do you believe that God has given you everything that you have? What does it practically mean to live as if God is the owner of everything? Take some time to consider these questions and to consider the life of grace we have all been offered by Jesus’s death on the cross. 

Even if the concept of God’s ownership is hard to understand or live out, it is vitally important to your spiritual life. When you fail to live with an understanding that God is the owner and you are the steward, you ultimately harm your relationship with God. Living without care for what the owner wants you to do with the things He gave to you will lead you away from God and into a self-centered lifestyle. God desires for all of us to find full life in Him, but we cannot find that life apart from an acknowledgment and an understanding that everything we have and everything we are is solely the result of His generosity and grace. 

Actions to take: 

1. Write down a list of all the things (generally) in your life – possessions, relationships, skills, giftings, education, etc. Consider how God has provided each of these things for you. 
2. Write down how God might want you to use each of these things in a way that points toward Him and His glory. 
3. List a few practical ways you can begin living in a way that acknowledges and demonstrates God’s ownership of everything you have. 

Scripture to study: Psalm 24:1; Psalm 50:9-12; Psalm 67; Matthew 25:14-30

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 1 of Financial Hope, “God Owns It All”
• What is stewardship?
• The Steward Decision

Your Answer: rarely

You indicated that you rarely behave as a steward of your possessions. The Bible teaches that God made the world and all that is in it and that everything you have comes from His gracious hands. For most people, the idea of God’s ownership is not hard to mentally assent to but can be terribly challenging to functionally live out. Do you believe that God has given you everything that you have? What does it practically mean to live as if God is the owner of everything? Take some time to consider these questions and to consider the life of grace we have all been offered by Jesus’s death on the cross. 

Even if the concept of God’s ownership is hard to understand or live out, it is vitally important to your spiritual life. When you fail to live with an understanding that God is the owner and you are the steward, you ultimately harm your relationship with God. Living without care for what the owner wants you to do with the things He gave to you will lead you away from God and into a self-centered lifestyle. God desires for all of us to find full life in Him, but we cannot find that life apart from an acknowledgment and an understanding that everything we have and everything we are is solely the result of His generosity and grace. 

Actions to take: 

1. Write down a list of all the things (generally) in your life – possessions, relationships, skills, giftings, education, etc. Consider how God has provided each of these things for you. 
2. Write down how God might want you to use each of these things in a way that points toward Him and His glory. 
3. List a few practical ways you can begin living in a way that acknowledges and demonstrates God’s ownership of everything you have. 

Scripture to study: Psalm 24:1; Psalm 50:9-12; Psalm 67; Matthew 25:14-30

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 1 of Financial Hope, “God Owns It All”
• What is stewardship?
• The Steward Decision

Your Answer: sometimes

You indicated that you sometimes behave as a steward of your possessions. Acknowledging God’s ownership of all that we have is the first step in holding them with an open hand. While you probably are quick to agree that God is the giver of all things, you may struggle living open handedly with those things. Moving from knowing to doing is a critical step in maturing as a follower of Jesus. Until we are able to live with the mindset that seeks to do the will of God with everything we have and everything we are, we will be hobbled in our walk with God. What would change in your life if you began living open handedly with everything you have? Take some time to consider this question and to consider the life of grace we have all been offered by Jesus’s death on the cross. 

Even if the concept of God’s ownership is hard to live out, it is vitally important to your spiritual life. When you fail to live into the reality that God is the owner and you are the steward, you ultimately harm your relationship with God. Living without care for what the owner wants you to do with the things He gave to you will lead you away from God and into a self-centered lifestyle. God desires for all of us to find full life in Him, but we cannot find that life apart from a willingness of living with an open hand toward God with respect to all that we have and all that we are. 

Actions to take: 

1. Take some time to consider how you would live differently if you more consistently behaved as if God was the owner of all that you own. 
2. Journal your thoughts and try to come up with a few practical ways you can begin behaving differently as a way to acknowledge and demonstrate God’s ownership of everything you have. 

Scripture to study: Psalm 24:1; Psalm 50:9-12; Psalm 67; Matthew 25:14-30

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 1 of Financial Hope, “God Owns It All”
• What is stewardship?
• The Steward Decision

Your Answer: usually

You indicated that you usually behave as a steward of your possessions and hold them with an open hand. What a tremendous testimony to the God who has graciously provided you with all things. Living with an open hand with the things we have and who we are demonstrates to the world where our treasure actually resides. God has given you a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate where your treasure is by giving you the things, talents, and gifts He has entrusted to you. Continue to press into the reality of God’s ownership in your life. Until we are able to live with the mindset that seeks to do the will of God with everything we have and everything we are, we will be hobbled in our walk with God. What would change in your life if you began always living open handedly with your things? Take some time to consider this question and to consider the life of grace we have all been offered by Jesus’s death on the cross. 

This concept of stewardship is vitally important to our spiritual lives. When we fail to live into the reality that God is the owner and we are the stewards, we ultimately harm our relationship with God. Living without care for what the owner wants us to do with the things He gave to us will lead us away from God and into a self-centered lifestyle. God desires for all of us to find full life in Him, but we cannot find that life apart from a willingness of living with an open hand toward God with respect to all that we have and all that we are. 

Actions to take: 

1. Take some time to consider the areas where you struggle living with an open hand toward God. 
2. Journal your thoughts and consider a few simple steps you can take to grow in the areas of struggle. Spend time praising and thanking God for the things He has entrusted to you. 

Scripture to study: Psalm 24:1; Psalm 50:9-12; Psalm 67; Matthew 25:14-30

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 1 of Financial Hope, “God Owns It All”
• What is stewardship?
• The Steward Decision

Your Answer: always

You indicated that you always behave as a steward of your possessions and hold them with an open hand. What a tremendous testimony to the God who has graciously provided you with all things. Living with an open hand with the things we have and who we are demonstrates to the world where our treasure actually resides. God has given you a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate where your treasure is by giving you the things, talents, and gifts He has entrusted to you. Continue to press into the reality of God’s ownership in your life. Until we are able to live with the mindset that seeks to do the will of God with everything we have and everything we are, we will be hobbled in our walk with God. 

This concept of stewardship is vitally important to our spiritual lives. When we fail to live into the reality that God is the owner and we are the stewards, we ultimately harm our relationship with God. Living without care for what the owner wants us to do with the things He gave to us will lead us away from God and into a self-centered lifestyle. God desires for all of us to find full life in Him, but we cannot find that life apart from a willingness of living with an open hand toward God with respect to all that we have and all that we are. 

Actions to take: 

1. Take some time to consider all that God has entrusted to you. Journal your thoughts.
2. Write out a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God asking Him to grant you the grace of growing even more open handed with all that He has entrusted to you. 

Scripture to study: Psalm 24:1; Psalm 50:9-12; Psalm 67; Matthew 25:14-30

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 1 of Financial Hope, “God Owns It All”
• What is stewardship?
• The Steward Decision

Your Answer: never

You indicated that you never seek God’s direction in your finances or rely on His provision. It’s easy to fall into a routine of making every day financial decisions without considering how they relate to our faith and trust in God. When you do this, the natural result is that you begin to believe God is unconcerned with the impact that your money decisions have on your faith and trust in Him. The reality is that every financial decision you make in life is shaping your heart. So tied are these that Jesus tells us that where we put our treasure (money) is where our hearts will go. Therefore, if you want your heart to grow more in love with God, then spending money in ways that honor Him and point to His worth will draw your heart toward Him. Faith is one of those things that can only be increased when it is exercised. 

Actions to take: 

1. Write down a list of important financial decisions you need to make over the next year. Spend some time praying over them and asking God how you might honor Him in and through each decision. 
2. List a few practical ways you can step out in faith and learn to rely on God to provide for your needs.
3. Journal people and places for whom you believe God is deeply concerned. Consider allocating some of your budget over the next few months toward caring for these people and places. 

Scripture to study: Hebrews 11; Matthew 6:25-32; Romans 14:5-9, 20-23; James 2:14-26

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 3 of Financial Hope, “Pursuing Faith in My Finances”

• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God

• Trading Manna for Maggots

• More Beyond

Your Answer: rarely

You indicated that you rarely seek God’s direction in your finances or rely on His provision. It’s easy to fall into a routine of making every day financial decisions without considering how they relate to our faith and trust in God. When you do this, the natural result is that you begin to believe God is unconcerned with the impact that your money decisions have on your faith and trust in Him. The reality is that every financial decision you make in life is shaping your heart. So tied are these that Jesus tells us that where we put our treasure (money) is where our hearts will go. Therefore, if you want your heart to grow more in love with God, then spending money in ways that honor Him and point to His worth will draw your heart toward Him. Faith is one of those things that can only be increased when it is exercised. 

Actions to take: 

1. Write down a list of important financial decisions you need to make over the next year. Spend some time praying over them and asking God how you might honor Him in and through each decision. 
2. List a few practical ways you can step out in faith and learn to rely on God to provide for your needs.
3. Journal people and places for whom you believe God is deeply concerned. Consider allocating some of your budget over the next few months toward caring for these people and places. 

Scripture to study: Hebrews 11; Matthew 6:25-32; Romans 14:5-9, 20-23; James 2:14-26

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 3 of Financial Hope, “Pursuing Faith in My Finances”

• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God

• Trading Manna for Maggots

• More Beyond

Your Answer: sometimes

You indicated that you sometimes seek God’s direction in your finances and rely on His provision. Faith and trust are both learned when practiced. It can be easy to believe that God is only concerned with big financial decisions, but the reality is that every financial decision you make is an opportunity to develop more faith and trust in God. By placing yourself under God’s caring hand, you learn that He is a God who cares for you and provides for your needs. As you learn to grow in learning to trust God and rely on Him to provide more and more, remember that you don’t often figure it out until you live it out. Therefore, if you want your heart to grow more in love with God and you want to learn to trust God more, strive to spend money in ways that honor Him and point to His worth. 

Actions to take: 

1. Write down a list of important financial decisions you need to make over the next year. Spend some time praying over them and asking God how you might honor Him in and through each decision. 
2. List a few practical ways you can step farther out in faith and learn to rely on God to provide for your needs.
3. Journal people and places for whom you believe God is deeply concerned. Consider allocating some of your budget over the next few months toward caring for these people and places. 

Scripture to study: Hebrews 11; Matthew 6:25-32; Romans 14:5-9, 20-23; James 2:14-26

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 3 of Financial Hope, “Pursuing Faith in My Finances”

• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God

• Trading Manna for Maggots

• More Beyond

Your Answer: usually

You indicated that you usually seek God’s direction in your finances and rely on His provision. What a wonderful place to be! Seeking God’s direction on financial decisions draws you deeper into His mission and plan for the world. Faith and trust have a way of increasing the more you exercise them. By placing yourself under God’s caring hand, you learn that He is a God who cares for you and provides for your needs. Continue to push back the boundaries of your faith and trust as you press further into a life lived trusting that God will provide all your needs according to His riches in glory! Remember, if you want your heart to grow more in love with God and you want to trust Him more, strive to spend money in ways that honor Him and point to His worth. 

Actions to take: 

1. List a few practical ways you can step farther out in faith and learn to rely on God to provide for your needs.
2. Journal people and places for whom you believe God is deeply concerned. Consider allocating some of your budget over the next few months toward caring for these people and places. 

Scripture to study: Hebrews 11; Matthew 6:25-32; Romans 14:5-9, 20-23; James 2:14-26

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 3 of Financial Hope, “Pursuing Faith in My Finances”

• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God

• Trading Manna for Maggots

• More Beyond

Your Answer: always

You indicated that you always seek God’s direction in your finances or rely on His provision. What a wonderful place to be! Seeking God’s direction on financial decisions draws you deeper into His mission and plan for the world. Faith and trust have a way of increasing the more you exercise them. By placing yourself under God’s caring hand, you learn that He is a God who cares for you and provides for your needs. Continue to push back the boundaries of your faith and trust as you press further into a life lived trusting that God will provide all your needs according to His riches in glory! Remember, if you want your heart to grow more in love with God and you want to trust Him more, strive to spend money in ways that honor Him and point to His worth. 

Actions to take: 

1. List a few practical ways you can step farther out in faith and learn to rely on God to provide for your needs.
2. Journal people and places for whom you believe God is deeply concerned. Consider allocating some of your budget over the next few months toward caring for these people and places. 

Scripture to study: Hebrews 11; Matthew 6:25-32; Romans 14:5-9, 20-23; James 2:14-26

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 3 of Financial Hope, “Pursuing Faith in My Finances”

• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God

• Trading Manna for Maggots

• More Beyond

Your Answer: never

You indicated that your financial decisions never align with biblical principles. While your honesty is to be commended, it’s likely that some of your financial decisions actually do align with biblical principles, you might just not know it. Knowing what the Bible says is a vitally important practice for all who claim to be followers of Jesus. Not only does the Bible teach us who God is, it provides wisdom for how we might live in a way that points to the worth and glory of God. The more you come to know what the Bible says, the more you will see how it offers wisdom to all parts of your life. And what’s so encouraging about the wisdom the Bible offers is that it isn’t hard to understand. It can be hard to consistently apply, but it isn’t hard for you to know what it says. The only way to be confident that your financial decisions align with God’s wisdom is to know the Word of God. As you know God and His Word more, you will desire to honor Him with all that you have more and more.

Actions to take: 

1. Read one chapter from the Bible each day over the next 20 days. As you read, pick out one verse to meditate on and pray over. 
2. Consider any upcoming major financial decisions. Explore what the Bible might have to say to help you make those decisions. 
3. Schedule one hour to read the Bible and pray over the next week. 

Scripture to study: James 1:2-8, 3:13-18; Matthew 6:20-24; Luke 12:16-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 4 of Financial Hope, “Aligning Your Heart With God’s”
• Practicing the Presence of God
• Keep Trusting

Your Answer: rarely

You indicated that your financial decisions rarely align with biblical principles. The chances are good that more of your financial decisions than you know line up with biblical principles. The trouble is that you just don’t know which ones do and you likely aren’t intentionally seeking to honor God in how you are spending money. Knowing what the Bible says is a vitally important practice for all who claim to be followers of Jesus. Not only does the Bible teach us who God is, it provides wisdom for how we might live in a way that points to the worth and glory of God. The more you come to know what the Bible says, the more you will see how it offers wisdom to all parts of your life. And what’s so encouraging about the wisdom the Bible offers is that it isn’t hard to understand. It can be hard to consistently apply, but it isn’t hard for you to know what it says. The only way to be confident that your financial decisions align with God’s wisdom is to know the Word of God. As you know God and His Word more, you will desire to honor Him with all that you have more and more. 

Actions to take: 

1. Read one chapter from the Bible each day over the next 20 days. As you read, pick out one verse to meditate on and pray over. 
2. Consider any upcoming major financial decisions. Explore what the Bible might have to say to help you make those decisions. 
3. Schedule one hour to read the Bible and pray over the next week. 

Scripture to study: James 1:2-8, 3:13-18; Matthew 6:20-24; Luke 12:16-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 4 of Financial Hope, “Aligning Your Heart With God’s”
• Practicing the Presence of God
• Keep Trusting

Your Answer: sometimes

You indicated that your financial decisions sometimes align with biblical principles. The chances are good that more of your financial decisions than you know line up with biblical principles. The trouble is that you just don’t know which ones do and you likely aren’t intentionally seeking to honor God in how you are spending money. Knowing what the Bible says is a vitally important practice for all who claim to be followers of Jesus. Not only does the Bible teach us who God is, it provides wisdom for how we might live in a way that points to the worth and glory of God. The more you come to know what the Bible says, the more you will see how it offers wisdom to all parts of your life. And what’s so encouraging about the wisdom the Bible offers is that it isn’t hard to understand. It can be hard to consistently apply, but it isn’t hard for you to know what it says. The only way to be confident that your financial decisions align with God’s wisdom is to know the Word of God. As you know God and His Word more, you will desire to honor Him with all that you have more and more. 

Actions to take: 

1. Read one chapter from the Bible each day over the next 20 days. As you read, pick out one verse to meditate on and pray over. 
2. Consider any upcoming major financial decisions. Explore what the Bible might have to say to help you make those decisions. 
3. Schedule one hour to read the Bible and pray over the next week. 

Scripture to study: James 1:2-8, 3:13-18; Matthew 6:20-24; Luke 12:16-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 4 of Financial Hope, “Aligning Your Heart With God’s”
• Practicing the Presence of God
• Keep Trusting

Your Answer: usually

You indicated that your financial decisions usually align with biblical principles. This is very encouraging. Not only does this mean you know what God’s Word says about making financial decisions, it means that you are intentionally seeking to honor God with those decisions. A deep and abiding love of God’s Word leads to a deeper understanding of who God is and how He wants to relate to the world. This understanding offers us the opportunity to learn to obey God and join with Him in drawing others into an understanding of God’s love and compassion for the world. When we live our lives with the confident assurance of biblical wisdom, we serve as lights on hills as our financial choices declare to the world that Jesus is our greatest treasure. The wisdom of the Bible leads us to point to God and His worth and glory with each and every financial decision we make. 

Actions to take: 

1. Spend time considering how your finances can declare to others that Jesus is your greatest treasure. Journal a few ideas about how you might implement these ideas. 
2. Consider any upcoming major financial decisions. Explore what the Bible might have to say to help you make those decisions. 
3. Schedule regular, meaningful time to read, pray, and journal every day. 

Scripture to study: James 1:2-8, 3:13-18; Matthew 6:20-24; Luke 12:16-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 4 of Financial Hope, “Aligning Your Heart With God’s”
• Practicing the Presence of God
• Keep Trusting

Your Answer: always

You indicated that your financial decisions always align with biblical principles. This is very encouraging. Not only does this mean you know what God’s Word says about making financial decisions, it means that you are intentionally seeking to honor God with those decisions. A deep and abiding love of God’s Word leads to a deeper understanding of who God is and how He wants to relate to the world. This understanding offers us the opportunity to learn to obey God and join with Him in drawing others into an understanding of God’s love and compassion for the world. When we live our lives with the confident assurance of biblical wisdom, we serve as lights on hills as our financial choices declare to the world that Jesus is our greatest treasure. The wisdom of the Bible leads us to point to God and His worth and glory with each and every financial decision we make. 

Actions to take: 

1. Spend time considering how your finances can declare to others that Jesus is your greatest treasure. Journal a few ideas about how you might implement these ideas. 
2. Consider any upcoming major financial decisions. Explore what the Bible might have to say to help you make those decisions. 
3. Schedule regular, meaningful time to read, pray, and journal every day. 

Scripture to study: James 1:2-8, 3:13-18; Matthew 6:20-24; Luke 12:16-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 4 of Financial Hope, “Aligning Your Heart With God’s”
• Practicing the Presence of God
• Keep Trusting

Your Answer: never

You indicated that you are never content with what you currently have. Chances are good that if you are struggling with contentment in your financial life, you are struggling in the other heart areas as well. Contentment is usually the result of understanding your role as a steward and the place where faith and wisdom reside in your financial life. When you are discontent, you are telling God that He hasn’t given you enough. While there are certainly times when we literally don’t have enough to survive, usually our perception of not enough is based more on not seeing God as the “enough” that we need. The reality for all of us is that until we believe that as long as we have God, we have enough, we will find discontentment as a regular companion. History teaches us that we can never have enough for lasting contentment, but when we turn our eyes on God as our enough, we will always have enough for lasting contentment. Will you turn your eyes to God to be your enough?

Actions to take: 

1. Journal what more you need/want in order to be content. Ask yourself how long you would be content if you got those things?
2. Pray and ask God to help you to be content with what you have right now. Thank Him for what you do have and ask that He help you see Him as enough. 
3. Make a gratitude list. Write down everything in your life that you are thankful for. 

Scripture to study: Philippians 3-4; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:1-5; Matthew 6:25-33

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 2 of Financial Hope, “Content With What I Have”
• Why Am I Never Satisfied
• How Much Is Enough?
• All For God’s Glory
• Two Christmases

Your Answer: rarely

You indicated that you are rarely content with what you currently have. Chances are good that if you are struggling with contentment in your financial life, you are struggling in the other heart areas as well. Contentment is usually the result of understanding your role as a steward and the place where faith and wisdom reside in your financial life. When you are discontent, you are telling God that He hasn’t given you enough. While there are certainly times when we literally don’t have enough to survive, usually our perception of not enough is based more on not seeing God as the “enough” that we need. The reality for all of us is that until we believe that as long as we have God, we have enough, we will find discontentment as a regular companion. History teaches us that we can never have enough for lasting contentment, but when we turn our eyes on God as our enough, we will always have enough for lasting contentment. Will you turn your eyes to God to be your enough?

Actions to take: 

1. Journal what more you need/want in order to be content. Ask yourself how long you would be content if you got those things?
2. Pray and ask God to help you to be content with what you have right now. Thank Him for what you do have and ask that He help you see Him as enough. 
3. Make a gratitude list. Write down everything in your life that you are thankful for. 

Scripture to study: Philippians 3-4; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:1-5; Matthew 6:25-33

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 2 of Financial Hope, “Content With What I Have”
• Why Am I Never Satisfied
• How Much Is Enough?
• All For God’s Glory
• Two Christmases

Your Answer: sometimes

You indicated that you are sometimes content with what you currently have. Chances are good that if you are struggling with contentment in your financial life, you are struggling in the other heart areas as well. Contentment is usually the result of understanding your role as a steward and the place where faith and wisdom reside in your financial life. When you are discontent, you are telling God that He hasn’t given you enough. While there are certainly times when we literally don’t have enough to survive, usually our perception of not enough is based more on not seeing God as the “enough” that we need. The reality for all of us is that until we believe that as long as we have God, we have enough, we will find discontentment as a regular companion. History teaches us that we can never have enough for lasting contentment, but when we turn our eyes on God as our enough, we will always have enough for lasting contentment. Will you turn your eyes to God to be your enough?

Actions to take: 

1. Journal what more you need/want in order to be content. Ask yourself how long you would be content if you got those things?
2. Pray and ask God to help you to be content with what you have right now. Thank Him for what you do have and ask that He help you see Him as enough. 
3. Make a gratitude list. Write down everything in your life that you are thankful for. 

Scripture to study: Philippians 3-4; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:1-5; Matthew 6:25-33

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 2 of Financial Hope, “Content With What I Have”
• Why Am I Never Satisfied
• How Much Is Enough?
• All For God’s Glory
• Two Christmases

Your Answer: usually

You indicated that you are usually content with what you currently have. This is a wonderful place to be. Both Paul and the writer of Hebrews tell us that no matter what we have we can always be content because of who God is. As you grow in contentment what you learn is that it isn’t what you have that makes you content, it is the source of your contentment. When you find contentment in things, you have to continually strive to maintain those things to maintain contentment. But, when you find contentment in God, you only have to reset your eyes on Him to find your contentment. Whenever you find yourself wrestling with discontentment, take a moment to consider again what Jesus did for you on the cross and try to turn your contentment onto who He is and what He has done.

Actions to take: 

1. Make a gratitude list. Write down everything in your life that you are thankful for. 
2. Pray and ask God to help you to be content with what you have right now. Thank Him for what you do have and ask that He help you see Him as enough. 

Scripture to study: Philippians 3-4; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:1-5; Matthew 6:25-33

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 2 of Financial Hope, “Content With What I Have”
• Why Am I Never Satisfied
• How Much Is Enough?
• All For God’s Glory
• Two Christmases

Your Answer: always

You indicated that you are always content with what you currently have. This is a wonderful place to be. Both Paul and the writer of Hebrews tell us that no matter what we have we can always be content because of who God is. As you grow in contentment what you learn is that it isn’t what you have that makes you content, it is the source of your contentment. When you find contentment in things, you have to continually strive to maintain those things to maintain contentment. But, when you find contentment in God, you only have to reset your eyes on Him to find your contentment. Whenever you find yourself wrestling with discontentment, take a moment to consider again what Jesus did for you on the cross and try to turn your contentment onto who He is and what He has done.

Actions to take: 

1. Make a gratitude list. Write down everything in your life that you are thankful for. 
2. Pray and ask God to help you to be content with what you have right now. Thank Him for what you do have and ask that He help you see Him as enough.

Your Answer: never

You indicated that you never spend less than you earn. As you know, this is a big problem. Regularly spending more money than you earn is a recipe for taking on large amounts of consumer debt. And large amounts of debt leads to further constriction of future available funds. This tends to lead people into a cycle of financial distress. The only way out of a cycle like this is to get a handle on where your money is going and to develop a plan for how you are going to live within your income. Most of the time this can be accomplished by making different spending and lifestyle decisions, but sometimes the only way out of a hole like this is by selling assets or getting another job. If you aren’t in this position yet, the good news is that you can turn things around. If you are in this situation, there is hope, but you’re going to need to make some big changes. Let us encourage you to make this habit a non-negotiable and do everything within your power to figure out how to spend less than you earn. 

Actions to take: 

1. Create a budget. Begin tracking your expenses to figure out where you are spending your money and then create a budget that reflects a reasonable allocation of your income.
2. Consider what the inability to live within your income says about your level of contentment. Ask yourself if your spending habits are a reflection of a spirit of discontentment. If it is, spend some time praying and confessing this attitude to God and asking Him to help you be content in who He is.
3. Cut up your credit cards and only spend with cash. 

Scripture to study: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; Philippians 4:11-13; 1 John 2:15-17

Resources to go deeper: 

• Creating a Basic Spending Plan
• Budgeting Video
• Staying Within Your Budget

Your Answer: rarely

You indicated that you rarely spend less than you earn. As you know, this is a big problem. Regularly spending more money than you earn is a recipe for taking on large amounts of consumer debt. And large amounts of debt leads to further constriction of future available funds. This tends to lead people into a cycle of financial distress. The only way out of a cycle like this is to get a handle on where your money is going and to develop a plan for how you are going to live within your income. Most of the time this can be accomplished by making different spending and lifestyle decisions, but sometimes the only way out of a hole like this is by selling assets or getting another/additional job. If you aren’t in this position yet, the good news is that you can turn things around. If you are in this situation, there is hope, but you’re going to need to make some big changes. Let us encourage you to make this habit a non-negotiable and do everything within your power to figure out how to spend less than you earn. 

Actions to take: 

1. Create a budget. Begin tracking your expenses to figure out where you are spending your money and then create a budget that reflects a reasonable allocation of your income.
2. Consider what the inability to live within your income says about your level of contentment. Ask yourself if your spending habits are a reflection of a spirit of discontentment. If it is, spend some time praying and confessing this attitude to God and asking Him to help you be content in who He is.
3. Cut up your credit cards and only spend with cash. 

Scripture to study: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; Philippians 4:11-13; 1 John 2:15-17

Resources to go deeper: 

• Creating a Basic Spending Plan
• Budgeting Video
• Staying Within Your Budget

Your Answer: sometimes

You indicated that you sometimes spend less than you earn. Most people struggle to regularly spend less than they earn. Regularly spending more money than you earn is a recipe for taking on large amounts of consumer debt. And large amounts of debt leads to further constriction of future available funds. This tends to lead people into a cycle of financial distress. The only way out of a cycle like this is to get a handle on where your money is going and to develop a plan for how you are going to live within your income. The best way to develop the habit of spending less than you earn is to create a written plan and refer to it regularly. Lack of awareness is one of the biggest reasons that people overspend. Another big reason people overspend is an inability to say no to their wants and desires. When you overspend because of this inability, it is a marker that most likely demonstrates a lack of contentment. This is as much of a spiritual issue as it is a practical one. Let us encourage you to try to understand why you’re having a hard time regularly spending less than you earn and then determine to make this habit non-negotiable and do everything within your power to figure out how to spend less than you earn. 

Actions to take: 

1. Create a budget. Begin tracking your expenses to figure out where you are spending your money and then create a budget that reflects a reasonable allocation of your income.
2. Consider what the inability to live within your income says about your level of contentment. Ask yourself if your spending habits are a reflection of a spirit of discontentment. If it is, spend some time praying and confessing this attitude to God and asking Him to help you be content in who He is.

Scripture to study: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; Philippians 4:11-13; 1 John 2:15-17

Resources to go deeper: 

• Creating a Basic Spending Plan
• Budgeting Video
• Staying Within Your Budget
• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God

Your Answer: usually

You indicated that you usually spend less than you earn. This is a wonderful habit to have. Great job. Continue to pursue this habit with intentionality and purpose. Ask yourself the question, “what does God want me to do with the surplus I have at the end of the month?” Consider how you might engage even more with your excess in the work that God is doing all over the world. You are to be commended for having developed this habit!! Keep up the good work!

Actions to take: 

1. Set goals for how much surplus you want to create each month and then prayerfully put that excess before God and ask Him where He wants you to use it. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and step out in faith!
2. Review your budget and put everything on the table before God. Ask Him to lead you to make any changes that He wants you to make. Step out in faith and trust Him in His leading. 

Scripture to study: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; Philippians 4:11-13; 1 John 2:15-17

Resources to go deeper: 

• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God
• A Most Remarkable Letter
• Tearing Down the High Places

Your Answer: always

You indicated that you always spend less than you earn. This is a wonderful habit to have. Great job. Continue to pursue this habit with intentionality and purpose. Ask yourself the question, “what does God want me to do with the surplus I have at the end of the month?” Consider how you might engage even more with your excess in the work that God is doing all over the world. You are to be commended for having developed this habit!! Keep up the good work!

Actions to take: 

1. Set goals for how much surplus you want to create each month and then prayerfully put that excess before God and ask Him where He wants you to use it. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and step out in faith!
2. Review your budget and put everything on the table before God. Ask Him to lead you to make any changes that He wants you to make. Step out in faith and trust Him in His leading. 

Scripture to study: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; Philippians 4:11-13; 1 John 2:15-17

Resources to go deeper: 

• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God
• A Most Remarkable Letter
• Tearing Down the High Places

Your Answer: never

You indicated that you never give generously. There’s a lot of nuance possible in that admission. You may be someone who gives nothing or very little or you may be someone who gives regularly but doesn’t consider it generous. If you belong to the first category, we encourage you to start giving. Giving is a habit that transforms our lives and connects us deeper into the unfolding story of God. God has given us resources as a means to participate in His work. If you’re not participating by giving, we’d encourage you to jump in with both feet. If you belong to the second category, let us encourage you to examine what you think it would mean for you to begin giving generously. Is that an amount or a step of faith? Generosity isn’t something that is easily defined, but it is a posture of open handedness that causes us to enter stories that we wouldn’t otherwise encounter. Cultivate this habit and watch as your faith grows!

Actions to take: 

1. Set out a path to move toward the habit of generous giving. Journal specific actions you intend to take and when you intend to take them.
2. Spend time praying and asking God to give you a heart that longs to be generous. Ask for opportunities to give. Watch for the opportunities and be quick to say yes.
3. Go through a Journey of Generosity with Generous Giving (www.Generousgiving.org).

Scripture to study: 2 Corinthians 8-9; Matthew 6:19-24; Philippians 4; Isaiah 58:6-10

Resources to go deeper: 

• Moving Toward Sacrificial Giving
• The Power of Giving
• Finding Truth in Giving
• Giving Out of Poverty
• The Miracle of Giving

Your Answer: rarely

You indicated that you rarely give generously. There’s a lot of nuance possible in that admission. You may be someone who gives nothing or very little or you may be someone who gives regularly but doesn’t consider it generous. If you belong to the first category, we encourage you to start giving regularly. Giving is a habit that transforms our lives and connects us deeper into the unfolding story of God. God has given us resources as a means to participate in His work. If you’re not participating by giving, we’d encourage you to jump in with both feet. If you belong to the second category, let us encourage you to examine what you think it would mean for you to begin giving generously regularly. Is that an amount or a step of faith? Generosity isn’t something that is easily defined, but it is a posture of open handedness that causes us to enter stories that we wouldn’t otherwise encounter. Cultivate this habit and watch as your faith grows!

Actions to take: 

1. Set out a path to move toward the habit of regular generous giving. Journal specific actions you intend to take and when you intend to take them.
2. Spend time praying and asking God to give you a heart that longs to be generous. Ask for opportunities to give. Watch for the opportunities and be quick to say yes.
3. Go through a Journey of Generosity with Generous Giving (www.Generousgiving.org).  

Scripture to study: 2 Corinthians 8-9; Matthew 6:19-24; Philippians 4; Isaiah 58:6-10

Resources to go deeper: 

• Moving Toward Sacrificial Giving
• The Power of Giving
• Finding Truth in Giving
• Giving Out of Poverty
• The Miracle of Giving

Your Answer: sometimes

You indicated that you sometimes give generously. That’s a wonderful habit to have in your life. Generous giving is a habit that brings joy and peace unlike any other habit. We encourage you to continue to cultivate this habit. Giving has a unique way of breaking the power of money in your life. As you consider how you might move even further in this habit, remember that the only things that are safe are those that you give to God. The things you cling to are the things that you will ultimately lose. Hold your things lightly and move toward even more generous giving!

Actions to take: 

1. Set out a path to move toward the habit of even more regular generous giving. Journal specific actions you intend to take and when you intend to take them.
2. Spend time praying and asking God to give you a heart that longs to be generous. Ask for opportunities to give. Watch for the opportunities and be quick to say yes.
3. Go through a Journey of Generosity with Generous Giving (www.Generousgiving.org).  

Scripture to study: 2 Corinthians 8-9; Matthew 6:19-24; Philippians 4; Isaiah 58:6-10

Resources to go deeper: 

• Moving Toward Sacrificial Giving
• The Power of Giving
• Finding Truth in Giving
• Giving Out of Poverty
• The Miracle of Giving

Your Answer: usually

You indicated that you usually give generously. That’s a wonderful habit to have in your life. Generous giving is a habit that brings joy and peace unlike any other habit. We encourage you to continue to cultivate this habit. Giving has a unique way of breaking the power of money in your life. As you consider how you might move even further in this habit, remember that the only things that are safe are those that you give to God. The things you cling to are the things that you will ultimately lose. Hold your things lightly and move toward even more generous giving!

Actions to take: 

1. Spend time praying and asking God to give you a heart that longs to be generous. Ask for opportunities to give. Watch for the opportunities and be quick to say yes.
2. Go through a Journey of Generosity with Generous Giving (www.Generousgiving.org).  
3. Invite some friends into a giving opportunity. 

Scripture to study: 2 Corinthians 8-9; Matthew 6:19-24; Philippians 4; Isaiah 58:6-10

Resources to go deeper: 

• Moving Toward Sacrificial Giving
• The Power of Giving
• Finding Truth in Giving
• Giving Out of Poverty
• The Miracle of Giving

Your Answer: always

You indicated that you always give generously. That’s a wonderful habit to have in your life. Generous giving is a habit that brings joy and peace unlike any other habit. We encourage you to continue to cultivate this habit. Do not grow weary in doing good!! As you know, giving has a unique way of breaking the power of money in your life. As you continue to give, remember that the only things that are safe are those that you give to God. The things you cling to are the things that you will ultimately lose. Hold your things lightly and move toward even more generous giving!

Actions to take: 

1. Spend time praying and asking God to give you a heart that longs to be generous. Ask for opportunities to give. Watch for the opportunities and be quick to say yes.
2. Go through a Journey of Generosity with Generous Giving (www.Generousgiving.org).  
3. Invite some friends into a giving opportunity. 

Scripture to study: 2 Corinthians 8-9; Matthew 6:19-24; Philippians 4; Isaiah 58:6-10

Resources to go deeper: 

• Moving Toward Sacrificial Giving
• The Power of Giving
• Finding Truth in Giving
• Giving Out of Poverty
• The Miracle of Giving

Your Answer: never

You indicated that you never avoid the use of debt. Debt should only be used in very limited circumstances and only for things where the economic return is greater than the economic cost. If you are regularly using debt to fund your lifestyle, then you are living a life that you cannot really afford. Whatever debt decision you make today, you are predetermining how you must spend money in the future. As a result, you have quite literally mortgaged your future and sentenced yourself to work in a certain way to be able to pay off your prior debt decisions. If you are deep in debt, you need to make a choice to stop going into further debt. Once you do this, you need to begin to systematically pay off your debt. Debt is really easy to get into and really hard to get out of. Make a determination today that you are going to get out of debt and then begin to make choices that will enable you to do this. Be vigilant in this pursuit.

Actions to take: 

1. Begin doing the debt snowball to pay off your debt (www.ronblueinstitute.com/tools) 
2. Journal your convictions about what type of debt you are comfortable having and how you want to make future debt decisions.
3. If you struggle with controlling your impulses on spending, get rid of your credit cards. Literally cut them up and cancel them. 

Scripture to study: James 4:13-16; Proverbs 22:7, 26-27; Psalm 37:21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 6 of Financial Hope, “Debt Mortgages Your Future”
• How Debt Steals Future Freedom
• Five Simple Steps to Get out of Debt
• Rules to Follow When Borrowing Money
• What to do if Too Far in Debt

Your Answer: rarely

You indicated that you rarely avoid the use of debt. Debt should only be used in very limited circumstances and only for things where the economic return is greater than the economic cost. If you are regularly using debt to fund your lifestyle, then you are living a life that you cannot really afford. Whatever debt decision you make today, you are predetermining how you must spend money in the future. As a result, you have quite literally mortgaged your future and sentenced yourself to work in a certain way to be able to pay off your prior debt decisions. If you are deep in debt, you need to make a choice to stop going into further debt. Once you do this, you need to begin to systematically pay off your debt. Debt is really easy to get into and really hard to get out of. Make a determination today that you are going to get out of debt and then begin to make choices that will enable you to do this. Be vigilant in this pursuit.

Actions to take: 

1. Begin doing the debt snowball to pay off your debt (www.ronblueinstitute.com/tools) 
2. Journal your convictions about what type of debt you are comfortable having and how you want to make future debt decisions.
3. If you struggle with controlling your impulses on spending, get rid of your credit cards. Literally cut them up and cancel them. 

Scripture to study: James 4:13-16; Proverbs 22:7, 26-27; Psalm 37:21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 6 of Financial Hope, “Debt Mortgages Your Future”
• How Debt Steals Future Freedom
• Five Simple Steps to Get out of Debt
• Rules to Follow When Borrowing Money
• What to do if Too Far in Debt

Your Answer: sometimes

You indicated that you sometimes avoid the use of debt. Debt should only be used in very limited circumstances and only for things where the economic return is greater than the economic cost. If you are regularly using debt to fund your lifestyle, then you are living a life that you cannot really afford. Whatever debt decision you make today, you are predetermining how you must spend money in the future. As a result, you have quite literally mortgaged your future and sentenced yourself to work in a certain way to be able to pay off your prior debt decisions. If you are deep in debt, you need to make a choice to stop going into further debt. Once you do this, you need to begin to systematically pay off your debt. Debt is really easy to get into and really hard to get out of. Make a determination today that you are going to get out of debt and then begin to make choices that will enable you to do this. Be vigilant in this pursuit.

Actions to take: 

1. Begin doing the debt snowball to pay off your debt (www.ronblueinstitute.com/tools) 
2. Journal your convictions about what type of debt you are comfortable having and how you want to make future debt decisions.
3. If you struggle with controlling your impulses on spending, get rid of your credit cards. Literally cut them up and cancel them. 

Scripture to study: James 4:13-16; Proverbs 22:7, 26-27; Psalm 37:21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 6 of Financial Hope, “Debt Mortgages Your Future”
• How Debt Steals Future Freedom
• Five Simple Steps to Get out of Debt
• Rules to Follow When Borrowing Money
• What to do if Too Far in Debt

Your Answer: usually

You indicated that you usually avoid the use of debt. This is a very good habit to have. As you most likely believe, debt should only be used in very limited circumstances and only for things where the economic return is greater than the economic cost. Staying out of debt is one of the most important habits for people who are financially healthy and financially nimble. Debt makes you a slave to the lender and you quite literally become obligated to work to repay your lender. Let us encourage you to continue to avoid debt and seek to repay any debts you do have with diligence. 

Actions to take: 

1. Journal your convictions about what type of debt you are comfortable having and how you want to make future debt decisions.
2. If you have some debt, determine when you would like to repay it and how you plan on doing that. Record your goals and keep them visible. 

Scripture to study: James 4:13-16; Proverbs 22:7, 26-27; Psalm 37:21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 6 of Financial Hope, “Debt Mortgages Your Future”
• How Debt Steals Future Freedom
• Five Simple Steps to Get out of Debt
• Rules to Follow When Borrowing Money
• A Biblical Perspective on Debt
• Being Debt Free

Your Answer: always

You indicated that you always avoid the use of debt. This is a very good habit to have. Staying out of debt is one of the most important habits for people who are financially healthy and financially nimble. Debt makes you a slave to the lender and you quite literally become obligated to work to repay your lender. Let us encourage you to continue to avoid debt and seek to repay any debts you do have with diligence. Great job!!

Actions to take: 

1. Journal your convictions about what type of debt you are comfortable having and how you want to make future debt decisions.
2. If you have some debt, determine when you would like to repay it and how you plan on doing that. Record your goals and keep them visible. 

Scripture to study: James 4:13-16; Proverbs 22:7, 26-27; Psalm 37:21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 6 of Financial Hope, “Debt Mortgages Your Future”
• How Debt Steals Future Freedom
• Five Simple Steps to Get out of Debt
• Rules to Follow When Borrowing Money
• A Biblical Perspective on Debt
• Being Debt Free

Your Answer: never

You indicated that you never plan for financial margin. The lack of financial margin usually leads to emotional and financial stress. If you don’t plan for financial margin, the chances of having enough margin to deal with the unexpected or to care for others is almost non-existent. Just like with time, a failure to leave margin in your financial life inevitably leads to trouble. While we shy away from giving prescriptive answers to people, we would encourage you to consider determining to set aside some moderate amount of money to help cover the unexpected expenses that arise in any given month. Once you have done this, seek to establish spending habits and patterns that allow for margin to exist in your budget each month. At the end of the month, if there is money left over, you can prayerfully determine what God is asking you to do with it. Without planning for margin, you will never get to this point in your financial and spiritual maturity. 

Actions to take: 

1. Set aside $1,000-$2,000 as an emergency fund to deal with emergencies.
2. Seek to modify your budget so that you have some margin each month. When you have extra at the end of the month, prayerfully journal how God might be leading you to use that money. 
3. Journal thoughts about how you might more deeply engage with God’s work in the world if you were able to create more margin (financially and time) in your life. Seek to develop habits to create this margin. 

Scripture to study: Proverbs 27:23-27; Luke 12:16-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• How Margin Leads to Financial Freedom
• 5 Principles: Maintain Margin

Your Answer: rarely

You indicated that you rarely plan for financial margin. The lack of financial margin usually leads to emotional and financial stress. If you don’t plan for financial margin, the chances of having enough margin to deal with the unexpected or to care for others is almost non-existent. Just like with time, a failure to leave margin in your financial life inevitably leads to trouble. While we shy away from giving prescriptive answers to people, we would encourage you to consider determining to set aside some moderate amount of money to help cover the unexpected expenses that arise in any given month. Once you have done this, seek to establish spending habits and patterns that allow for margin to exist in your budget each month. At the end of the month, if there is money left over, you can prayerfully determine what God is asking you to do with it. Without planning for margin, you will never get to this point in your financial and spiritual maturity. 

Actions to take: 

1. Set aside $1,000-$2,000 as an emergency fund to deal with emergencies.
2. Seek to modify your budget so that you have some margin each month. When you have extra at the end of the month, prayerfully journal how God might be leading you to use that money. 
3. Journal thoughts about how you might more deeply engage with God’s work in the world if you were able to create more margin (financially and time) in your life. Seek to develop habits to create this margin. 

Scripture to study: Proverbs 27:23-27; Luke 12:16-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• How Margin Leads to Financial Freedom
• 5 Principles: Maintain Margin

Your Answer: sometimes

You indicated that you sometimes plan for financial margin. This is a good first step in developing this habit. If you don’t plan for financial margin, the chances of having enough margin to deal with the unexpected or to care for others is almost non-existent. Just like with time, a failure to leave margin in your financial life inevitably leads to trouble. Building regular margin into your life will lead to a healthier ability to weather the unexpected storms of life and will create the space necessary for you to more regularly engage with others in their seasons of need. Whenever you have margin let us encourage you to prayerfully ask God how He wants you to use that margin. Without planning for margin or seeking His direction, you will never get to this point in your financial and spiritual maturity. 

Actions to take: 

1. Set aside $1,000-$2,000 as an emergency fund to deal with emergencies.
2. Seek to modify your budget so that you have some margin each month. When you have extra at the end of the month, prayerfully journal how God might be leading you to use that money. 
3. Journal thoughts about how you might more deeply engage with God’s work in the world if you were able to create more margin (financially and time) in your life. Seek to develop habits to create this margin. 

Scripture to study: Proverbs 27:23-27; Luke 12:16-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• How Margin Leads to Financial Freedom
• 5 Principles: Maintain Margin

Your Answer: usually

You indicated that you usually plan for financial margin. This is a great first step in developing this habit. Having some financial margin in your life helps you deal with the unexpected and care for others in their times of need. Just like with time, a failure to leave margin in your financial life inevitably leads to trouble. Building regular margin into your life leads to a healthier ability to weather the unexpected storms of life and creates the space necessary for you to more regularly engage with others in their seasons of need. Whenever you have margin let us encourage you to prayerfully ask God how He wants you to use that margin. Without planning for margin or seeking His direction, you will never get to this point in your financial and spiritual maturity. 

Actions to take: 

1. Journal thoughts about how you might more deeply engage with God’s work in the world with your margin. Seek to deploy your margin in obedience to God’s leading. 
2. Prayerfully ask God to help you determine how much margin you should store away and what you should do with the extra. Seek to obey Him and always hold your extra with an open hand. 

Scripture to study: Proverbs 27:23-27; Luke 12:16-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• How Margin Leads to Financial Freedom
• 5 Principles: Maintain Margin

Your Answer: always

You indicated that you always plan for financial margin. This is fantastic. Great job!! Having financial margin in your life helps you deal with the unexpected and care for others in their times of need. Just like with time, a failure to leave margin in your financial life inevitably leads to trouble. Building regular margin into your life leads to a healthier ability to weather the unexpected storms of life and creates the space necessary for you to more regularly engage with others in their seasons of need. Since you regularly have margin in your financial life, let us encourage you to prayerfully ask God how He wants you to use that margin. Seek to determine what He wants you to keep and what He wants you to deploy for His glory. Stay open handed and always keep what you have set aside available to Him for His purposes. 

Actions to take: 

1. Journal thoughts about how you might more deeply engage with God’s work in the world with your margin. Seek to deploy your margin in obedience to God’s leading. 
2. Prayerfully ask God to help you determine how much margin you should store away and what you should do with the extra. Seek to obey Him and always hold your extra with an open hand. 

Scripture to study: Proverbs 27:23-27; Luke 12:16-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• How Margin Leads to Financial Freedom
• 5 Principles: Maintain Margin

Your Answer: never

You indicated that you never set long-term goals. Without some statement of where you’re heading, it’s very difficult to make daily decisions in your finances. Whether you are intentional or not in setting goals, there is always a trade-off between the short-term and the long-term. The only way to make a logical plan for your finances is to have some idea as to where you are heading. These stated intentions are simply known as long-term goals. Goals are intended to be written in sand and not in concrete, but they are intended to help us make decisions today with an eye toward tomorrow. Over time, as you mature in your faith, your long-term time horizon looks more into eternity than into retirement. Once you begin making long-term goals in light of eternity, all of your present decisions look different.   

Actions to take: 

1. Set aside time to spend with God asking Him, “God, where do you want me headed over the next 1, 5, 10, 20 years.” Write down your answers.
2. Take these statements from #1 and try to write 3-5 goals that are specific, measurable, and time-bound. 
3. Regularly revisit your goals and ask God to give you wisdom on which to keep and which to modify. 

Scripture to study: Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 3:12-21; James 4:13-16

Resources to go deeper: 

• Saving for Short and Long-Term Goals
• A Simple Framework for Setting Goals
• Faith and Goals
• Why Should we Set Financial Goals
• What’s the Plan

Your Answer: rarely

You indicated that you rarely set long-term goals. Without some statement of where you’re heading, it’s very difficult to make daily decisions in your finances. Whether you are intentional or not in setting goals, there is always a trade-off between the short-term and the long-term. The only way to make a logical plan for your finances is to have some idea as to where you are heading. These stated intentions are simply known as long-term goals. Goals are intended to be written in sand and not in concrete, but they are intended to help us make decisions today with an eye toward tomorrow. Over time, as you mature in your faith, your long-term time horizon looks more into eternity than into retirement. Once you begin making long-term goals in light of eternity, all of your present decisions look different.   

Actions to take: 

1. Set aside time to spend with God asking Him, “God, where do you want me headed over the next 1, 5, 10, 20 years.” Write down your answers.
2. Take these statements from #1 and try to write 3-5 goals that are specific, measurable, and time-bound. 
3. Regularly revisit your goals and ask God to give you wisdom on which to keep and which to modify. 

Scripture to study: Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 3:12-21; James 4:13-16

Resources to go deeper: 

• Saving for Short and Long-Term Goals
• A Simple Framework for Setting Goals
• Faith and Goals
• Why Should we Set Financial Goals
• What’s the Plan

Your Answer: sometimes

You indicated that you sometimes set long-term goals. This is a good habit to cultivate. When you set a long-term goal you are acknowledging that there are decisions you need to make today in order to prepare for something in the future. When you don’t know where you are heading, you don’t know how to make decisions today that will help you prepare for that destination. When you do state your goals, remember that goals are intended to be written in sand and not in concrete. Goals should never be thought of as unchangeable, but they should be used to help you keep a long-term perspective. Over time, as you mature in your faith, your long-term time horizon looks more into eternity than into retirement. Once you begin making long-term goals in light of eternity, all of your present decisions look different. As you set goals for your future begin considering how your decisions today could be directed toward making an eternal impact.   

Actions to take: 

1. Set aside time to spend with God asking Him, “God, where do you want me headed over the next 1, 5, 10, 20 years.” Write down your answers.
2. Take these statements from #1 and try to write 3-5 goals that are specific, measurable, and time-bound. 
3. Regularly revisit your goals and ask God to give you wisdom on which to keep and which to modify. 

Scripture to study: Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 3:12-21; James 4:13-16

Resources to go deeper: 

• Saving for Short and Long-Term Goals
• A Simple Framework for Setting Goals
• Faith and Goals
• Why Should we Set Financial Goals
• What’s the Plan

Your Answer: usually

You indicated that you usually set long-term goals. This is a good habit to cultivate. When you set a long-term goal you are acknowledging that there are decisions you need to make today in order to prepare for something in the future. When you don’t know where you are heading, you don’t know how to make decisions today that will help you prepare for that destination. As a goal setter it will be important for you to remember that goals are intended to be written in sand and not in concrete. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your goals are unchangeable. Goals are meant to help you keep a long-term perspective, but always with the mind of pursuing wherever God is leading you. Over time, as you mature in your faith, your long-term time horizon looks more into eternity than into retirement. Once you begin making long-term goals in light of eternity, all of your present decisions look different. As you set goals for your future begin considering how your decisions today could be directed toward making an eternal impact.   

Actions to take: 

1. Set aside time to spend with God asking Him, “God, where do you want me headed over the next 1, 5, 10, 20 years.” Write down your answers.
2. Take these statements from #1 and try to write 3-5 goals that are specific, measurable, and time-bound. 
3. Regularly revisit your goals and ask God to give you wisdom on which to keep and which to modify. 

Scripture to study: Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 3:12-21; James 4:13-16

Resources to go deeper: 

• Saving for Short and Long-Term Goals
• A Simple Framework for Setting Goals
• Faith and Goals
• Why Should we Set Financial Goals
• What’s the Plan

Your Answer: always

You indicated that you always set long-term goals. This is a good habit to cultivate. When you set a long-term goal you are acknowledging that there are decisions you need to make today in order to prepare for something in the future. When you don’t know where you are heading, you don’t know how to make decisions today that will help you prepare for that destination. As a goal setter it will be important for you to remember that goals are intended to be written in sand and not in concrete. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your goals are unchangeable. Goals are meant to help you keep a long-term perspective, but always with the mind of pursuing wherever God is leading you. Over time, as you mature in your faith, your long-term time horizon looks more into eternity than into retirement. Once you begin making long-term goals in light of eternity, all of your present decisions look different. As you set goals for your future begin considering how your decisions today could be directed toward making an eternal impact.   

Actions to take: 

1. Set aside time to spend with God asking Him, “God, where do you want me headed over the next 1, 5, 10, 20 years.” Write down your answers.
2. Take these statements from #1 and try to write 3-5 goals that are specific, measurable, and time-bound. 
3. Regularly revisit your goals and ask God to give you wisdom on which to keep and which to modify. 

Scripture to study: Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 3:12-21; James 4:13-16

Resources to go deeper: 

• Saving for Short and Long-Term Goals
• A Simple Framework for Setting Goals
• Faith and Goals
• Why Should we Set Financial Goals
• What’s the Plan

Your Answer: struggling

You indicated that you are not able to make ends meet. The reasons for this could be many. Take a moment to review the habits and health section to see if you can pinpoint why you are unable to make ends meet. If the reasons are based on an inability to control your spending or an overwhelming amount of debt, let us encourage you to seek out a financial coach to help you develop a budget and a plan. MoneyWise.org is a group that can set you up with a financial coach. If there are other reasons that you can’t make ends meet, you may need to consider making some changes in your work or living situation. Whatever the reasons, know that you are a loved child of God and He is with you as you seek to move from “Struggling” to “Stable.” You have work ahead of you, but you also have a God who cares for you. Don’t be afraid or ashamed of seeking help from your church. Commit to make needed changes and develop a support group around you for encouragement and accountability. 

Actions to take: 

1. Seek out a financial coach or accountability partner to help you chart a path toward “Stable.”
2. Spend time praying and asking God for wisdom and help in overcoming the financial situation you find yourself in. 

Scripture to study: Proverbs 4:20-27, 21:5; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:10; Isaiah 43:18-19

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 8 of Financial Hope, “A Hope for Tomorrow”
• An Incorruptible Inheritance
• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God
• Travelers in a Foreign Land

Your Answer: surviving

You indicated that you are living paycheck to paycheck. The reasons for this could be many. Take a moment to review the habits and health section to see if you can pinpoint a specific reason or reasons why you end up spending your entire paycheck each pay period. If the reasons are based on an inability to control your spending or an overwhelming amount of debt, let us encourage you to seek out a financial coach to help you develop a budget and a plan. MoneyWise.org is a group that can set you up with a financial coach. If there are other reasons that you are always spending everything you bring in, you may need to consider making some changes in your work or living situation. Whatever the reasons, know that you are a loved child of God and He is with you as you seek to move from “Surviving” to “Stable.” You have work ahead of you, but you also have a God who cares for you. Don’t be afraid or ashamed of seeking help from your church or a friend. Commit to make needed changes and develop a support group around you for encouragement and accountability. 

Actions to take: 

1. Seek out a financial coach or accountability partner to help you chart a path toward “Stable.”
2. Spend time praying and asking God for wisdom and help in overcoming the financial situation you find yourself in. 

Scripture to study: Proverbs 4:20-27, 21:5; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:10; Isaiah 43:18-19

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 8 of Financial Hope, “A Hope for Tomorrow”
• An Incorruptible Inheritance
• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God
• Travelers in a Foreign Land

Your Answer: stable

You indicated that you are saving some with an emergency fund. This is a really good place to be. Being stable with your finances is a position that many people never achieve. Take some time to celebrate and thank God for allowing you to have the margin to save some and to establish an emergency fund. This indicates that you are likely following quite a few of the five habits. You are almost certainly spending less than you earn, avoiding debt, and maintaining margin. As you rest in this place, take some time to reflect on how you are doing with the habits of giving generously and setting long-term goals. Are you keeping an eternal perspective as you have created some financial margin in your life? How can you order your finances going forward to be sure that they don’t ever become an idol in your life? Be encouraged!

Actions to take: 

1. Spend time praying and asking God for a vision for how you might glorify Him with the margin He has given you over the rest of your life. Write down your impressions and begin to chart a path toward them. 
2. Consider Luke 12:13-21 and ask God to give you discernment between wise saving and building bigger barns. Establish some guidelines for guarding against become like the rich fool in this parable. 

Scripture to study: Proverbs 4:20-27, 21:5; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:10; Isaiah 43:18-19; Luke 12:13-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 8 of Financial Hope, “A Hope for Tomorrow”
• An Incorruptible Inheritance
• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God
• Travelers in a Foreign Land

Your Answer: secure

You indicated that you are saving for long-term goals. This is a financially comfortable place to be. Being secure with your finances is a position that most people never achieve. Thinking about and saving for long-term goals requires you to be disciplined and intentional. Take some time to celebrate and thank God for allowing you to have the margin to be where you are financially. This indicates that you are likely following quite a few of the five habits. You are almost certainly spending less than you earn, avoiding debt, maintaining margin, and setting long-term goals. As you rest in this place, take some time to reflect on how you are doing with the habit of giving generously. Are you keeping an eternal perspective as you have created a bit of financial margin in your life? How can you order your finances going forward to be sure that they don’t ever become an idol in your life? Be encouraged, but be aware of the tendency to put your financial security in a position that belongs to God alone!

Actions to take: 

1. Spend time praying and asking God for a vision for how you might glorify Him with the margin He has given you over the rest of your life. Write down your impressions and begin to chart a path toward them. 
2. Consider Luke 12:13-21 and ask God to give you discernment between wise saving and building bigger barns. Establish some guidelines for guarding against become like the rich fool in this parable. 

Scripture to study: Proverbs 4:20-27, 21:5; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:10; Isaiah 43:18-19; Luke 12:13-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 8 of Financial Hope, “A Hope for Tomorrow”
• An Incorruptible Inheritance
• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God
• Travelers in a Foreign Land

Your Answer: surplus

You indicated that you have more than enough. Having surplus like this in your finances is a position that most people never achieve. Getting to this point has most likely required you to be very intentional and disciplined in your financial decisions. Take some time to thank God for allowing you to have the margin to be where you are financially. Getting to this point financially means that you are almost certainly spending less than you earn, avoiding debt, maintaining margin, and setting long-term goals. As you rest in this place, take some time to reflect on how you are doing with the habit of giving generously. Are you keeping an eternal perspective as you have created a bit of financial margin in your life? How can you order your finances going forward to be sure that they don’t ever become an idol in your life? Be grateful for your financial position, but be aware of the tendency to put your financial security in a position that belongs to God alone! Be more concerned with your relationship toward God than your achievements in your financial positions. Ask yourself regularly what you are more concerned with, your financial standing or your standing before God. 

Actions to take: 

1. Study 1 Timothy 6:17-19 and journal how you can take heed of Paul’s warnings. 
2. Spend time praying and asking God for a vision for how you might glorify Him with the margin He has given you over the rest of your life. Write down your impressions and begin to chart a path toward them. 
3. Consider Luke 12:13-21 and ask God to give you discernment between wise saving and building bigger barns. Establish some guidelines for guarding against become like the rich fool in this parable. 

Scripture to study: Proverbs 4:20-27, 21:5; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:10; Isaiah 43:18-19; Luke 12:13-21

Resources to go deeper: 

• Ch. 8 of Financial Hope, “A Hope for Tomorrow”
• An Incorruptible Inheritance
• When Financial Security Threatens Our Trust in God
• Travelers in a Foreign Land

Your Answer: struggling

You indicated that you think God wants you to be unable to make ends meet. This is an uncommon selection. Perhaps you are wanting to learn more trust and reliance on God. That is certainly a worthwhile pursuit. We would encourage you to seek out godly counsel as you learn to trust God. Trusting God is a wonderful goal, but be careful you don’t begin to presume upon God in ways that are not biblical.

Your Answer: surviving

You indicated that you think God wants you to be living paycheck to paycheck. This is an uncommon selection. Perhaps you are wanting to learn more trust and reliance on God. Perhaps you feel led by God to give away all that you make each month or you are in a job which doesn’t permit you to have any extra. These are all possibly good reasons to spend what you bring in. We would encourage you to seek out godly counsel as you learn to trust God and live this way. Trusting God is a wonderful goal, but be careful you don’t begin to presume upon God in ways that are not biblical.

Your Answer: stable

You indicated that you think God wants you to be saving some with an emergency fund. This is a really healthy place to be. This is a place where you have margin and some flexibility to engage financially in the things that God is doing around you. Take advantage of this position and seek God’s wisdom in how you might live financially in a manner which points to His worth and glory and helps to teach you faith and trust. Consider the opportunities and flexibility that you have and ask God to give you a vision for how you can engage in His work around you in the world.

Your Answer: secure

You indicated that you think God wants you saving for long-term goals. Most financial experts would agree with you. The key for Christians is what are their long-term goals and to whom do they primarily benefit. Are they focused on themselves or are they focused on bringing glory to God? There may be some overlap here, but the tendency for most financial advice is for people to make sure they take care of themselves before engaging in other endeavors. God wants you to be engaged with Him and His work in the world and so may not want you to have to deal with the distractions that this kind of wealth can bring. If you ever find yourself in this position, seek God’s wisdom in how you might live financially in a manner which points to His worth and glory and helps to teach you faith and trust. Consider the opportunities and flexibility that you have and ask God to give you a vision for how you can engage in His work around you in the world.

Your Answer: surplus

You indicated that you think God wants you to have more than enough. Most financial experts would agree with you. For Christians though, this is one of the most dangerous places to be for faith. Wealth has a way of numbing our souls toward eternity and believing that this world is the best that there is. Be careful that you don’t think that God wants to give you eternity now. God wants us to know and trust Him and having surplus of finances is a place where most people lose that first love. God wants you to be engaged with Him and His work in the world and so may not want you to have to deal with the distractions that this kind of wealth can bring. If you ever find yourself in this position, seek God’s wisdom in how you might live financially in a manner which points to His worth and glory and helps to teach you faith and trust. Consider the opportunities and flexibility that you’ll have and ask God to give you a vision for how you can engage in His work around you in the world.