The Issue That Can Derail Your Life 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 13:1-6, 12
1 So Abram left Egypt and traveled north into the Negev, along with his wife and Lot and all that they owned. 2 (Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.) 3 From the Negev, they continued traveling by stages toward Bethel, and they pitched their tents between Bethel and Ai, where they had camped before. 4 This was the same place where Abram had built the altar, and there he worshiped the Lord again.
5 Lot, who was traveling with Abram, had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many tents. 6 But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds living so close together.
12 So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain.
The journey continues
Time continued to pass, and Abram’s journey took him temporarily out of the promised land into Egypt. He subsequently left Egypt, returning to the promised land.
It continues to stand out to me that the author of Genesis repeatedly emphasizes that Abram was wealthy. His nephew Lot also became very rich. As a result, their people began fighting with each other for the land's limited resources so that they couldn’t stay together.
A separation ensued. Lot went left, and Abram went right.
Walking without direction can derail your life
Abram stuck to God’s promise, but Lot took a detour to live in the cities among the plains. Lot was deceived by the fertile land and seemingly prosperous towns. He was seeing with his human eyes instead of spiritual eyes.
Has that happened to you before? We walk through life making decisions, sometimes without a moment’s thought.
🤚 Lot ended up embroiled in a military conflict as a hostage, lost his wife, and ended his days harboring shame and mourning loss.
🤲 Abram, though not perfect, followed God’s commands and received a legacy. His wealth continued to grow, God gave him the heir he desired, and he died full of days.
What’s your plan?
As I begin the financial planning process, I ask my clients what goals they hope to achieve. Some are basic and practical, such as retiring in X years or purchasing a dream item. However, once we dive deeper, we move from the low-hanging fruits. My questions sound like this:
👉 What does it mean for you to use these resources for God’s glory?👉 How much wealth do you envision passing down to your family?
👉 How do you want to be remembered once you are no longer here?
You may be led down Lot’s path if you have no plan and direction. Distracted by whatever meets the eye, a poor judge of character.
If you take anything away from this journal — please, have a plan. Spend the time to clarify your goals, lead with generosity, and focus on legacy. Everything else will fade away.
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.