Finding Financial Purpose 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!

Genesis 15:4-6
4 Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” 5 Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”
6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.

As a financial advisor, my job is to help my clients navigate the complex world of finance and ensure that they are financially secure. However, being a Christian financial advisor means I am also committed to helping my clients find purpose and meaning in their financial lives. One passage from the Bible that speaks to this idea is Genesis 15:4-6.

Abram struggled because he had no children to inherit his wealth and continue his legacy. God spoke to Abram and promised his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abram believed in God's promise, which was credited to him as righteousness.

So, what does this story have to do with financial planning? At the surface level, this is about estate planning (or lack thereof). At its core, this passage is about faith and trust. Abram trusted that God would provide for him and his family, even though he could not see how it would happen.

Trust in God's plan

Just like Abram, we must trust that God has a plan for our lives. This means being open to God's leadership regarding our finances. We must seek God's wisdom and guidance when making financial decisions and trust that God will provide for us in the way that is best for us.

This may mean that we need to let go of our own desires and plans for our money and be willing to follow God's leading. It may also mean that we need to be patient and wait for God's timing, even if it means delaying our financial goals.

Prioritize generosity

Abram's concern was not just for himself but for his future generations. He wanted to ensure that his legacy would continue through his descendants. As Christians, we should also be concerned for the future and have the desire to leave a legacy.

It is easy to transfer or “pass down” money. After all, you will leave this earth one day, and someone will take whatever you built. Passing down values is the toughest part of estate planning. Preparing heirs to inherit wealth and lead God-honoring families is the only way to ensure wealth will be a blessing to them and not a curse.

Find purpose in your finances

This story reminds us that our finances are not just about accumulating wealth but about finding purpose and meaning in our lives. As Christians, we are called to use our resources to further God's kingdom and make a difference. This may mean using our finances to support causes we care about, investing in companies that align with our values, or starting a business that serves others.

Genesis 15:4-6 is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and trust in our financial lives. As Christians, we must trust God's plan. By doing so, we can ensure that our financial legacy reflects our faith and values and makes a positive impact on the world. I am committed to helping my clients achieve these goals and find financial security and purpose.

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.