Living in a culture of materialism, money is definitely EVERYTHING. Social media has brought about unnecessary competition among friends. This includes splurging on clothes, shoes, bags, and travel, just so you can top your imagined competitor. Therefore, irresponsible handling of money is disobedience to the Lord’s instruction to honor Him with our finances.
“Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.” — Proverbs 3:9-10
God expects us to give the FIRST and the BEST of our finances. We are to honor Him with what we have since He is the One who gave us everything we own. Practicing financial stewardship helps us align our hearts and priorities with God’s purpose for our lives.
You might say, “But Toni, you don’t understand. Money is life!”. I actually do.
In the past, I used to prioritize money over God. Money became my god. I spent on anything and everything I want. It reached a point where I maxed out my credit cards because I was addicted to shopping, and my debt continued to pile up. We might think that money is life. However, learning financial stewardship made me realize there’s more to this life than just honoring money.
Does God Hate Money?
God knows that we need money to survive, and He wants to bless us with it. However, when we are not good stewards of the money God has provided, we block these blessings. When we trust in our own capacity to earn money, we end up stressed and anxious all the time. Because our focus is on earning and having more money.
God doesn’t want us to love money more than our family and more than Him. He wants us to honor him by being financially responsible. But where do we start? Well, there are verses in the Bible that remind us about financial stewardship.
Give God Your 10% (Or More)
“‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’” — Malachi 3:10
Tithing is acknowledging that God owns everything and that we are honoring Him by giving a portion (10%) of our income back to Him. The biblical verses about tithing serve as reminders that generosity opens doors to God’s abundant blessings. I previously struggled with tithing because I was obsessed with my finances. In my head, why should I give it to God when I could spend it on so many things?
When I didn’t tithe, I faced a lot of challenges. My businesses experienced big tax assessments, inventory losses, employees stealing from me, and company losses. We also experienced robbery in the family.
God knows when our hearts are not right with Him. If we have issues with money, He will allow us to go through financial challenges to counter our selfishness. Instead of learning the hard way, it is best that we express our love to Him by giving back through tithes and offerings.
Pay Off Your Debt
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” — Proverbs 22:7
There are situations when debt is necessary or even, in some circumstances, wise — such as taking out home loans, investing in businesses, or paying off medical bills. However, it is NEVER wise to stay in debt or make it a lifestyle.
There was a period in my life where debt was my middle name. I was a big fan of retail therapy. Whenever I felt stressed, a new pair of shoes or clothes would make me feel better. I loved the rush that came with shopping. The entire ordeal, however, blew up in my face when I ended up maxing out my cards and getting stuck in debt.
When we are in debt, we don’t own the material goods or even money. We become slaves to the bank or to whoever lent us the money. Honoring God with our finances means saying goodbye to debt. Your goal should be to get out of that harmful cycle as soon as possible.
This process won’t be an easy one. It will require strict budgeting and self-discipline. But once you’re free from the weight of debt, you will experience the joy of financial stewardship and be free to save and share your blessings.
Give to Others
“Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause and of life those who rob them.”
Proverbs 22:22-23
Do you know of others who are in need financially? Honor God by helping them out.
God provided for you financially so that you can buy your basic needs and reward yourself every now and then. He also wants you to mind your money by sharing with those in need.
Handling money in God’s way helps us align with money management philosophies that prioritize giving, discipline, and trust in His provision. Setting aside a part of your income to help out people in need can benefit you emotionally and spiritually. You are living out the second greatest command in the Bible: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
Finances challenge our trust in God and His provision, but this is also a practical way to live out our faith in Him.
Manage Your Money in God’s Way
Financial stewardship empowers you to make intentional decisions wisely and use your resources to honor God in every area of your life. Honoring God with your finances is also part of living a minimalistic beauty queen lifestyle. By being financially savvy, you’ll make wise money choices. It’s the key not only to living a positive life but a clutter-free one.
Do you struggle with handling your finances? Are you in debt because of unwise credit card spending? The Minimalist Beauty Queen Lifestyle is my personal advocacy. I encourage women not only to live a clutter-free life, but to live free from the clutter of debt.
If you’re interested in joining a minimalist beauty lifestyle, schedule a coaching session with Toni Miranda at Radiance Image Consultancy today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are reflections on common questions that can guide us toward practical ways God wants us to live:
What is the secret of wealth in the Bible?
The Bible teaches us that true wealth begins in the heart, not the bank account. It is about living with generosity, contentment, and a trust in God’s provision, knowing that lasting riches are found in love, faith, and service to others.
What does God want us to do with money?
God calls us to be faithful stewards of all He entrusts to us, using our resources to bless others and advance goodness in the world. Every decision with money should reflect our values, purpose, and alignment with His kingdom.
What does the Bible say about money?
The Bible teaches that money itself isn’t evil, but the love of it can lead us away from God’s purpose. It reminds us that true wealth comes from contentment, generosity, and trusting that God will always provide for our needs.
