A Dollar Saved

She went and told Elisha. And the prophet said to her, “Go, sell the oil and pay what you owe. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

– 2 Kings 4:7

“Money in the bank is like toothpaste in the tube,” writer Earl Wilson once quipped. “Easy to take out, hard to put back.”

He makes a good point. After all, ours is a buy-now-pay-later culture. And if an unexpected expense (or the latest smart gadget) comes along, it’s second nature for us to put it on a maxed-out credit card — and then worry later about making the minimum monthly payments. With such an unrealistic approach to money, finances, and debt, is it any wonder that millions of Americans these days are subject to bankruptcies, foreclosures, and repossessions?

During His brief ministry, Jesus taught His followers about the proper relationship with God, family, neighbors … and even enemies. But Christ also spoke extensively about money-related issues. In fact, the Bible is full of financial wisdom that’s as applicable today as it was centuries ago.

For example, one principle is to give the first 10% or more of our income to the church. This honors God by actively promoting His purposes on earth and demonstrating our faith in Him for meeting our needs. And another precept is to appreciate all that God has given us. That's because when we foster an attitude of gratitude, we’re unlikely to spend what we don’t have on unaffordable material possessions that we don’t really need.

Next, we must attack debt and anticipate tough times. This means developing a budget, spending less than what we earn, paying off those credit cards (especially the ones with sky-high interest rates), and setting money aside to cover unexpected expenses. Following these steps can help your savings grow little by little over time — especially when they earn compound interest.

Above all, we must be rich toward God and invest in the eternal. Saving for the future is obviously important. But also look for ways to put your money to work promoting God’s interests. In addition to your weekly Sunday contribution, this might involve giving toward a special church initiative, supporting overseas missionaries, or maybe even starting your own community ministry. Whatever it is, ask God in prayer to show you what to do … and clear the way to let you do it. 

Lastly, we can rest assured that our Creator is a great provider. But let's not forget that while His provision doesn’t ignore debt, it also doesn’t excuse irresponsibility. As Proverbs 21:20 tells us:

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

Treasures in Heaven

For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.

– Matthew 25:29

What’s the best way to invest money these days?

According to Google’s AI overview, options include diversified index funds and retirement accounts for long-term growth, but ultimately it depends on your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. Meanwhile, top financial gurus recommend everything from precious metals to stocks and bonds to Bitcoin. Considering the economic uncertainties that hang over our nation (and the world, for that matter), this is a question that demands an answer. 

If you're a Christ-follower, you've accepted God's offer to meet your needs in every area of life. That covers deeply intimate issues involving significance, happiness, value, and self-worth — and of course, money and possessions. Unfortunately, too many of us depend on the size of our bank accounts, 401(k)s, and stock portfolios for security. We struggle for years to build a nest egg. But even when we make it to the top by the world's standards, our financial victory turns out to be a worthless idol once life is over. 

Rather than following the world's wisdom about life, relationships, possessions, and money, Christ-followers see these things in a very different light. That's because our minds begin to transform as soon as we follow Jesus in earnest. What once seemed so valuable and desirable loses its luster and fades into oblivion. And the world's silver and gold begin to rust.

With this in mind, what’s REALLY the best way to invest our money, time ... and stuff?

It’s a question with eternal implications — as well as a test of how we’re making our Creator our top priority. Believers are called to recognize that God doesn’t give us possessions. Instead, we're simply caretakers of His resources. So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we spending our money on the world's definition of success — or investing it toward His kingdom where it will make an eternal difference? Let’s look at Matthew 6:19-21 for trustworthy guidance:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal,” says Jesus. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

The Ultimate Giver

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.”

– Mark 12:43-44

For centuries, Christ-followers have given a portion of their resources to the church to help achieve God’s purposes on Earth. And if you’re a committed giver, you’ve probably discovered that you can’t out-give our Creator. We might one day feel led to help a neighbor pay his electric bill or buy him a bag of groceries. And then a few days later, we might ourselves be blessed through an unexpected promotion at work or a surprise check in the mail. God’s example is a powerful incentive for Believers of all economic levels. After all, he wants us to trust in him — not money — as our provider:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” we read in Psalms, “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

But when it comes to our money and possessions, it really does boil down to trust. We trust God with our eternal salvation. However, do we trust this same God to provide for our daily needs? Christ-followers are called to serve as his hands and feet to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and house the homeless. So, by making generous giving a spiritual habit, we become more like Him — and all while helping to change the world for the better.

This principle sounds fine in theory — particularly when our bank accounts are full and there’s plenty more on the way. But how does it apply to those of us with only modest financial means? 

In the Gospel story known as The Widow’s Mite, Jesus pointed toward a poor woman who literally gave her last penny as her offering. And since she gave out of her poverty, her small gift was much greater in God’s eyes than the vast amounts offered by rich worshippers. We can see that the widow — although poor — took the initiative and made the most of her gift. Likewise for today’s Christ-followers with few resources, giving takes humility. What’s more, it requires discipline and trust. Just because we have less than others, it’s no reason to turn our backs on God. 

Whether our bank accounts are big or small, our generosity brings joy to others. It also moves our focus from ourselves and onto the recipient. And it's a needed reminder that ultimately, all provision comes from God — The Ultimate Giver.

Pledge of Allegiance

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

– Colossians 2:6-7

Americans of a certain age remember that the Pledge of Allegiance was recited each morning in school classrooms across the nation — with students placing their right hand over their heart — in front of our nation’s flag. It was a daily declaration of devotion to the Stars and Stripes and the Republic for which it stands.

Being a Christ-follower also calls for allegiance, but to One much greater than any nation or flag. In fact, Jesus desires total devotion from his disciples and would-be followers. Half-heartedness and non-committal don't make the cut.

Believers should therefore demonstrate a Christ-centered faith through their words and deeds. But that doesn't mean we must earn God's favor through good works and morality, following a set of rules, or going to church each Sunday. In fact, we read in Isaiah 64:6 that our so-called good deeds are considered filthy rags when compared to God's high standards of perfection. That's why Jesus — who actually DID live a perfect, sin-free life — was the only one worthy enough to pay the penalty we all deserve for constantly failing our Creator.

Although we're powerless to save ourselves, Christ willingly did so on our behalf through his death and resurrection, which also made it possible for Believers ever since to serve as his hands and feet on earth. To help illustrate the significance of his incredible mission, Jesus told a story about a master, who gave each of his three servants a considerable sum of money to invest while he was away on an extended trip. After a while, the master returned to claim what was his. He was pleased with the first two servants, who had used their funds wisely. Their savvy and willingness to risk their allocations resulted in doubling the money. But it wasn't so with the third servant. He was afraid of his boss' stern reputation and didn't want to risk a loss. So instead, he tried to play it safe by burying his master's money in the ground!

This is where modern-day Christ-followers enter the picture. Like the three servants in the story, we've also received resources, skills, and opportunities to invest in the lives of others. The beneficiaries could be a spouse, sibling, or child. They might also be a co-worker, neighbor, villagers in Central America ... or maybe someone God puts in our path through unexpected circumstances.

So, here's the obvious question: How are we investing what God has given to us? Are we turning our faith into action and changing the world one person at a time … or are we playing it safe?

The answer depends on our allegiance.

 

Priority One

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

– Matthew 6:33

Many businesses these days like to tout their focus on sustainability — the practice of using resources responsibly, maintaining ecological balance, and ensuring the well-being of all … both for today and tomorrow. Likewise, governments around the world are changing their laws and policies to prioritize recycling, water conservation, renewable energy, and social equity.

But what about our personal priorities toward a valuable resource we can never renew: our time?

Everyone has a finite number of days to live on this planet. And what we do with them depends on our prime concerns and preferences. Some might live to travel the globe and find adventure. Others might live for pleasure, family, or friends. And some folks might seek true meaning by focusing on their careers or supporting worthy charities.

With so many choices before us, how can we best set our priorities?

The 2026 Olympic Winter Games are right around the corner, so let’s consider Eric Liddell’s story for guidance. Liddell was a Christ-follower who believed that everything in his life should be done to please God. Born in China, he looked forward to one day fulfilling his calling as a missionary. But before that, he planned to compete in the 1924 Paris Olympics as a runner.

All seemed well until Liddell learned that his big race was scheduled for a Sunday. But that troubled him. He believed that competing on the Lord’s Day was wrong and that it would dishonor the God he always sought to please. So, he stepped aside — seemingly disqualifying himself from a chance at fame by representing his country at the Games. 

Liddell’s priority was to put God first, whatever the cost. And needless to say, it was a priority that few others shared. It’s reported that even the Prince of Wales urged the young athlete to run in the Sunday track meet. But Liddell refused to compromise his principles.

Then the unexpected happened. Liddell was given the opportunity to race on another day. But the catch was that he had never trained for that particular event. Fans of the 1981 movie classic Chariots of Fire know what happened next: Liddell won the contest and claimed the cherished gold medal.

Now fast-forward to 2026, and it’s our turn to make some decisions. What are our priorities in life and what’s really important? As Christ-followers, we first need to seek God’s guidance if he hasn’t already answered those questions. It’s then that we take that next crucial step: the decision to honor God. And we also need to develop a plan of action. What are we willing to change to meet the goal? What’s negotiable? And finally, it’s time to deliver by running the race and seeing it through past the finish line.

Eric Liddell’s story is full of life lessons. And if there’s just one to adopt as our own, it’s that God will honor us when we decide to honor God.

Are you ready to set priorities for your daily walk of faith? Then let the race begin!

Soul Food

Because of this, since the day we heard about you, we have continued praying for you, asking God that you will know fully what he wants. We pray that you will also have great wisdom and understanding in spiritual things so that you will live the kind of life that honors and pleases the Lord in every way. You will produce fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God.

– Colossians 1:9-10

What’s your idea of a great meal? 

For some folks, a grilled steak, baked potato, and salad always hit the spot. Others love pizza, Vietnamese, or seafood. There’s also Mediterranean, Asian, and dozens of other cuisines. And let’s not forget those who crave vegetarian.

People’s tastes and tastebuds vary widely, but it’s their hunger that unites them. However, there’s another kind of appetite that has nothing to do with cheeseburgers, fried chicken, and ice cream. It’s the spiritual hunger that’s hard-coded into our DNA. Inside, everyone has a gnawing desire to fill a gaping internal void. Some try in vain through negative pursuits such as drug use, alcohol, compulsive spending, or gambling. Others attempt to fill it by becoming workaholics or escaping reality through social media, video games, or even travel. But once the thrill is gone, the hunger always returns. Moreover, they’re never satisfied.

Jesus addressed this universal dilemma by proclaiming (and proving) himself to be the “food” that everyone craves. As we read in John 6:35:

“I am the bread that gives life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Spiritual hunger can be beneficial. In fact, we all need a drive — a certain level of intensity — to continue developing as Christ-followers. Our Creator has so many things for us to see, experience, and comprehend during our brief existence on Earth, and that’s how we grow and mature into Jesus’ likeness. How boring would our lives be if we already knew all the answers from Day 1?

Unfortunately, too many Believers experience stunted spiritual growth because they lack the intensity to continue seeking meaning in their lives. The solution is to mature by making the most of the people, places, and situations that God puts before us each day. And it's also up to you and me to continue developing our spiritual muscles through regular Bible study, prayer, worship, Small Group participation, and other positive habits. After all, there’s nothing like a good workout to whet one’s appetite — and then satisfy it with food for the soul.

Name-Dropping

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 

– Ephesians 4:15

The saying goes that it’s not what you know … it’s WHO you know that matters.

That’s especially true when a connection can help you obtain or accomplish something quickly and efficiently. For example, a call to the right person who already owes you a big favor might get you those tickets to that sold-out concert or sporting event. You might be able to get your child into the right school if you have a close friend in the admissions office. And that acquaintance who knows a mechanic who fixes vehicles on the side could get your car back on the road in no time — and for a price the dealership can’t beat.

Other scenarios involve name-dropping, or suggesting that you have a relationship with a celebrity, politician, or other notable. We do it at parties, at job interviews, and when we want to impress others. And while name-dropping can be annoying, sometimes it’s OK to brag a bit about our relationship to the right person. In the Bible, it’s actually encouraged in Psalm 16:8:

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

At Christianity’s core is our relationship with God through our faith in Jesus. Specifically, that connection is one of a child and their parent, which is made possible through Jesus’ death on the cross — a punishment we all rightly deserve for our lifetimes stained by personal failures and shortcomings (better known as sin). But since we’re connected with the right person (Jesus), he’s already paid the price to save us from a certain death and eternal punishment in hell.

God also wants us to be in close relationship with other Believers. That’s because we grow spiritually when we’re deeply connected to one another in Christ. After all, isolation can stunt our spiritual growth while loving connection strengthens it. Meanwhile, let’s not neglect our relationships with non-Believers — those personal connections that can help launch their own journeys of faith. That means introducing them to Jesus, sharing your own testimony about the Savior, and relating how his death on the cross 2,000 years ago means a whole new life today — and later into eternity.

How can you get the ball rolling?

One of the best ways is to pray for people by name. They can be family members, co-workers, neighbors, political leaders — and particularly your enemies. And don’t be surprised if God opens the circumstances where you become the answer to someone else’s prayers. Jesus set the example when he sent 12 of his disciples to nearby Jewish communities to spread the Good News (the Gospel):

“Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel,” he told them. “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

As 21st century Believers, let’s be prepared to do some name-dropping whenever it’s needed to grow God’s kingdom. Because it’s not what you know, but WHO you know that matters.