Unlocking Success with Integrity and Faith 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 39:21-23
21 But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. 22 Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. 23 The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.
Joseph, a faithful servant, faced numerous trials and tribulations throughout his life. However, his unwavering commitment to integrity ultimately led to his rise to prominence. Let's explore three key lessons we can learn from Joseph's journey and apply them to our financial lives today.
Faithfulness in the Small Things
Joseph exemplified faithfulness and diligence in all he did, even when his life was in danger and his freedom nonexistent. Despite being betrayed and sold into slavery, he continued to serve his masters with unwavering commitment. This attitude paved the way for his eventual success. It is so important to be faithful in the small things. Whether managing your budget, paying your bills on time, or giving your best effort at work, these seemingly small acts of faithfulness can pave the way to greater opportunities and financial blessings.
Embracing Integrity Amidst Temptations
Joseph's integrity was tested when Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him. Despite the potential short-term gains, Joseph chose to honor God and uphold his values. This decision came with consequences, as he was falsely accused and imprisoned. However, Joseph's unwavering integrity ultimately led to his vindication and promotion. Similarly, in our financial journey, we may encounter temptations that promise quick gains but compromise our values. It is crucial to stay rooted in our principles, making decisions aligned with integrity. In the long run, this will safeguard our reputation and lead to lasting success.
Trusting in God's Providence and Timing
Throughout his trials, Joseph maintained faith in God's plan for his life. Even when things looked dicey, he trusted God was working behind the scenes. His patience ultimately positioned him for great success. A key lesson for us is maintaining a long-term perspective and trust in God's providence. There may be tough seasons where you barely hold on; by maintaining our trust in God's timing and plan, we can navigate life’s difficulties and achieve our financial goals.
Where do we go from here?
Cultivate a Culture of Integrity: In all financial matters, prioritize integrity and ethical conduct. Seek professional advisors who share your values and can guide you in aligning your financial decisions with your faith.
Give Generously: Embrace the biblical principle of giving and generosity. Allocate a portion of your income to support charitable causes and organizations that align with your values. Giving not only blesses others but also brings joy and fulfillment to your life.
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.