A Debt of Gratitude test

Welcome to The Bible Money Journal, a brief for Christian professionals who want to learn more about God’s ways of managing money. In each edition, I share a verse, a story, and a money lesson to help you in your journey.

This brief is a resource for navigating the scriptures through the lens of financial planning and learning how to apply them in your life.

Let’s get started!

Deuteronomy 8:17-18
17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ 18 Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

Gratitude for Your Financial Blessings

The passage reminds us to acknowledge the blessings we've received. As you approach your mid- and late-career, it's essential to reflect on the financial abundance you've accumulated over the years. Perhaps it's a stable income, a well-funded retirement account, or valuable assets. Take a moment to express gratitude for these blessings.

Why is gratitude important in financial planning? It's a powerful force that can shape our financial decisions. When we acknowledge and appreciate what we have, we're less likely to make impulsive choices or fall prey to the never-ending cycle of wanting more. Gratitude can provide the emotional stability needed to make sound financial decisions.

Humility in Financial Success

Humility plays a significant role in financial planning. It's easy to become complacent or overconfident as our careers progress, but the passage reminds us of the importance of humility.

Acknowledging that financial success isn't solely our doing can help us stay grounded. It can manifest as a willingness to accept that you might not have all the answers and that your financial situation can change unexpectedly. Humility allows you to prepare, adapt, and adjust your financial plan when things go south.

Applying These Principles

Now that we've dissected the core principles of this biblical passage let's explore how you can apply them:

Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly take stock of your financial blessings. Create a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the true source of your financial achievements. When facing financial challenges, remember the blessings you've enjoyed.

Embrace Humility: Stay open to feedback and advice from financial professionals. Recognize that market volatility and economic changes are beyond your control. Consider your financial achievements as a result of a combination of factors, not just personal skills. Even those skills and the ability to work is a gift from God.

Conclusion

Remember to practice gratitude for the financial blessings you've received, embrace humility in your financial journey, and continually seek wisdom to make informed decisions. By doing so, you can navigate the complexities of financial planning with confidence and purpose, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for yourself and your loved ones.

Leo Marte is a Christian financial advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Abundant Advisors provides financial advice for Christians with convenient virtual meetings. Let’s talk if you are ready to make the next move.