How Can You Balance Wealth and Generosity Biblically?

Ralph Estep Jr.:
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You might ask how do I balance money, possessions, and generosity from a biblical perspective? Is it really okay to have financial success, enjoy the nicer things in life, and still maintain my Christian Walk?

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How do I balance growing my personal finances with biblical tithing and generosity? What are some key things that I can do to find this balance?

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If you're asking these questions, and trust me, I think about this all the time. Today's episode is for you.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the show, where we tackle your financial questions through the lens of our Christian faith. I'm your host, Ralph.

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And let me tell you, today's topic is one that I've wrestled with myself, and I know many of you have too.

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It's easy to feel torn between wanting to build a comfortable life for ourselves, and for families.

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Maybe even enjoying some of the finer things, and at the same time, staying true to the biblical call to generosity and putting our trust in God, not in material possessions.

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So, you ask, is it possible to have both? Can we strive for financial success while staying grounded in our faith and living a life of generosity?

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Well, that's exactly what we're diving into today, so buckle up. But before we get started, a big thank you to everyone who tuned in yesterday for my insightful conversation with David.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
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He was a certified financial planner. We talked about practical ways to increase the value of your business.

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And David dropped some knowledge bombs. If you missed it, don't worry. You can catch the replay on our website.

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That's askralphpodcast.com and did you know, we have over 400 past episodes on the site. Check out the little search button.

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I will bet there's a topic you'll find useful. If you have a question for me, be sure to send a message.

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I love answering your questions. And make sure you stick around till the end of today's episode, because I'll be giving you a sneak peek into what we'll be unpacking tomorrow.

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Tomorrow, we're tackling a topic that shrouded in mystery and often misunderstood.

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And that's credit counseling. Is it a scam? Or can it offer real value? We're going to separate fact from fiction. So, you don't want to miss it.

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Let's dive into today's topic. We're talking about balancing money, possessions, and generosity from a biblical perspective.

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And to set the stage, let's turn to the book of Matthew chapter 6, verse 19. Here's what it says. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal."

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Those are some powerful words, aren't they? I know some folks hear this verse and think, "okay, Ralph, so I guess I can't have a savings account, can't have anything nice or invest in my future."

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But hold on, hold on. Let's not jump to any conclusions. This verse isn't condemning wealth or possessions themselves. It's about where we place our hearts. It's about our priorities.

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Are we chasing after material wealth as the ultimate goal, or are we seeking first the kingdom of God and trusting Him to provide for our needs?

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That's the central question. See, the Bible doesn't shy away from talking about money.

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In fact, did you know, there's over 2000 verses that address finances, wealth, and possessions? That tells me it's something God cares about and something we should be intentional about as well.

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So, how do we find that balance? How do we pursue financial freedom while staying grounded in our faith and living generously?

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Here are a few key principles that have helped me on my own journey.

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Number 1: Shift your perspective on wealth. Remember, everything we have is a gift from God. We're merely stewards of His resources.

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When we view our finances through this lens, it changes everything. It takes the focus off of "me and mine" and shifts it to the "God, can I use what you've entrusted me to bless others and further your kingdom?"

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Number 2: practice biblical stewardship. This means being responsible with what God has given us. It's about creating a budget, saving for the future, and investing wisely. It's about being a good manager of our finances so that we can be a blessing to others and not a burden.

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You will never be able to bless others until you become an excellent steward of your own resources. This is truth, and its truth we have to strive for.

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Number 3: embrace the joy of generosity. You know, there's something incredibly freeing about giving. It might seem counterintuitive, but the more we give, the more we receive. I feel like I heard that somewhere before.

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Not necessarily in a material sense, but in a spiritual sense. When we give generously, we experience the joy of being a part of something bigger than ourselves.

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And finally, number 4: seek contentment. It doesn't mean we can't strive or dream big. But it does mean finding our satisfaction and security in Christ, not in our possessions, and the stuff we have.

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It means recognizing that true joy and fulfillment come from a life lived in alignment with God's will, not from the size of our bank accounts. Y

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you know, I've met so many people who are afraid to even talk about money in the context of faith. They think it's somehow unspiritual and materialistic.

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But the truth is this, our finances are a huge part of our lives and ignoring them won't make them go away. You're never going to find success by ignoring your financial health.

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You will, in fact, find failure and heartache. In fact, I believe that by facing our financial challenges head on by seeking God's wisdom, and applying biblical principles, we can truly experience financial freedom and live in abundance, both from a materiality standpoint and spiritually.

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I know what you might be thinking, "Ralph, this all sounds great in theory, but what does it look like practically? How do I apply these principles into my action in my everyday life? I'm glad you asked that.

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Here are a few actionable steps you can take today. I always want to give you actions you can take because without actions, there is no value.

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First, take some time to pray and ask God to reveal his heart to you. Ask him to show you any areas where you might be holding on too tightly, or where you might need to make some changes.

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Second, create a budget. Yeah, I know. I know budgeting isn't the most exciting topic. But trust me, it's essential. It's about taking control of your money and making sure it's working for you, not the other way around.

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There are tons of great budgeting apps and resources available online, or you can even reach out to a financial advisor for guidance. Another thing. You're always welcome to schedule a consultation with me and I will help you get started on the right path.

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Number three, start small with your giving. You don't have to give a huge amount. Every little bit makes a difference. Even a small, consistent gift can have a huge impact over time.

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You have to choose a cause you're passionate about and commit to giving regularly.

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And finally, I can't stress this enough. Surround yourself with like-minded people. Find a community of believers who encourage you on your financial journey.

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And more importantly, hold you accountable. I strongly encourage you to find a home church and get involved in that and get involved with others. It will make a huge difference in your life.

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So, there you have it folks. Balancing money, possessions, and generosity from a biblical perspective is a journey, not a destination.

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I think I've said that before. It's about aligning our hearts with God's heart, seeking his wisdom, and trusting him to provide for our needs.

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Remember this. True wealth isn't measured by the size of our bank accounts but by the richness of our relationship with Christ and the impact we have on the world around us.

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Well, let's close in prayer. Heavenly father, we thank you for your faithfulness and provision in our lives. We acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from you.

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Help us to be good stewards of your resources to live generously and to find our contentment in you alone. Guide us on this journey of financial freedom and help us to use our finances to bless others and further your kingdom. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Ralph Estep Jr.:
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Well, that wraps up another episode of the Ask Ralph podcast.

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Don't forget to check out tomorrow's episode where we'll be demystifying the world of credit counseling. And remember this, this is your show. I want to hear from you. What are your biggest financial challenges?

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What questions do you have about managing your money from a Christian perspective? Head over to our website. Again, that's askralphpodcast.com and send in your questions.

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You might just hear them answered on a future episode and while you're there, make sure you join our email list.

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And if you do, we have a very special offer. Once you join the email list, you get a coupon code to download a complimentary copy of my book. It's called mastering your finances.

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It's a great way to get started on your journey to improving your finances. And it's yours absolutely free. All you have to do is you join the email list. And one more special announcement.

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We just launched our merchandise site. So now you can order all sorts of cool stuff with a show logo and show your support for the program.

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You find that at askralphpodcast.com/gear. So, until next time. Stay financially savvy, and God bless you. Enjoy your Sunday and live your faith out loud so the world can see it.