Every day, we’re immersed in the rhythms and pressures of the world’s economy. Inflation, rising interest rates, global markets, salary grades, business trends—all of it impacts our lives, whether we like it or not. I’ve worked long enough in the financial sector and walked alongside thousands of Filipinos to know how real the struggle is: providing for the family, saving for the future, and trying to stay afloat in an economic environment that often feels uncertain.

But as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently.

We live in the world’s economy, but we follow God’s economy.

That tension is something I wrestle with constantly—not just as a finance advocate, but as a believer. The world operates on scarcity, fear, and self-preservation. God’s economy runs on trust, stewardship, and generosity.

Let me walk you through what I mean.

1. God Owns Everything – We Are Stewards

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”
—Psalm 24:1 (ESV)

The starting point of God’s economy is ownership. Everything belongs to Him. In the world’s economy, we’re taught that what we earn is ours. We worked hard for it. We deserve it. But in God’s economy, we acknowledge that all things—our income, our abilities, even the opportunities we receive—are from Him and for Him.

This changes the way we handle money. Instead of asking, “What do I want to do with my money?” we begin to ask, “What does God want me to do with what He has entrusted to me?”

This stewardship mindset is liberating. It shifts us from control to surrender, from entitlement to gratitude. When we remember we are managers and not owners, it reframes how we spend, save, invest, and give.

2. Provision Comes from God, Not Just Our Income

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

In the world’s economy, we often stress over where our next income will come from, or if we have enough in our emergency fund. Now, don’t get me wrong—I teach financial planning and budgeting for a reason. Practical wisdom is biblical. But we must never confuse our salary as our ultimate source. Our work or our business is a channel of God’s provision, but God is the true Provider.

Paul wrote Philippians 4:19 while commending the church for their generosity. They had given sacrificially to support the work of the Gospel, and Paul reminded them that God would provide for their needs—not according to their economy, but “according to His riches in glory.” That’s a different scale altogether.

I’ve seen this truth play out time and time again. Clients, friends, even in my own life—when we obey God with our resources, even in times of financial difficulty, He shows up. Not always in ways we expect, but always in ways that are enough.

3. Generosity Over Accumulation

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
—Acts 20:35 (ESV)
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”
—Proverbs 3:9 (ESV)

In the world’s economy, wealth is for comfort, status, and security. But in God’s economy, wealth is for honoring Him and blessing others.

That’s why tithing and generosity are not just religious duties—they are acts of worship. When we give, we’re declaring that God—not money—is our security. We’re participating in Kingdom work. We’re aligning ourselves with heaven’s values.

For Filipinos especially, who often face economic hardship, generosity may feel counterintuitive. But I’ve seen struggling families tithe faithfully, give to others in need, and somehow never run dry. That’s not prosperity gospel—that’s God’s economy at work: radical generosity and radical trust.

4. Eternal ROI (Return on Investment)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
—Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)

This is one of the most powerful financial teachings of Jesus—and one of the hardest to live out. We are taught to accumulate: build wealth, get more, upgrade. And while wise saving and investing are good stewardship, they must not be the ultimate goal.

In God’s economy, we invest in what is eternal: people, relationships, the Gospel, justice, and mercy. I like to say that we need both a balance sheet and a Kingdom ledger. How much are we putting into things that will last forever?

I still invest in financial instruments, business and real estate, sure. But I’m more intentional now about investing in discipleship, missions, and building others up. That’s the kind of ROI that heaven celebrates.

Walking the Tension

Yes, we still live in the real world. We pay bills, deal with taxes, navigate recessions. But while the world’s economy is built on fear and control, God’s economy is built on trust and surrender.

We need both practical wisdom and spiritual discernment. That’s why my approach to finance will always be both technical and theological. Because true financial freedom isn’t just about having more—it’s about aligning our resources with God’s heart and purposes.

So here’s my encouragement to you:
Live wisely in the world’s economy, but follow faithfully in God’s. Learn the tools of this world, but anchor your heart in the economy of the Kingdom.

Because in the end, it’s not how much we’ve accumulated, but how faithfully we’ve stewarded what God has given us that truly matters.

If this post encouraged you, feel free to share it with someone navigating their own financial journey. And remember—our best investments are the ones that echo in eternity.

As someone who has spent decades teaching and advocating for personal financial stewardship, I often find myself returning to Scripture for wisdom and guidance. One parable that has always intrigued me is Luke 16:1–13, often titled The Parable of the Dishonest Manager. At first glance, it seems perplexing. Why would Jesus commend a dishonest man? But like many of His teachings, the deeper truth lies beneath the surface.

The parable tells the story of a manager who was about to be fired for wasting his master’s possessions. Realizing he’s in trouble, he calls in his master’s debtors and reduces their debts—presumably to curry favor so they’ll take care of him later. Surprisingly, Jesus says, “The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness” (v.8). Not for his dishonesty, but for his prudence.

That detail matters. As someone deeply involved in financial education, especially here in the Philippines, I see this parable as a profound lesson on wisdom, stewardship, and eternal priorities.

Stewardship Is a Trust

The first thing that strikes me is the accountability of the manager. He was merely a steward of someone else’s wealth. That’s a concept I try to impress on Filipinos: everything we have is entrusted to us by God. Our jobs, our income, our possessions—even our time and talents—aren’t really ours. We are managers, not owners.

This mindset changes everything. When we recognize that God is the true owner, we stop asking, “What do I want to do with my money?” and instead begin asking, “Lord, what would You have me do with what You’ve given me?” That’s a huge paradigm shift, and one that forms the foundation of biblical personal finance.

Be Shrewd… for the Right Kingdom

Jesus says something very provocative: “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light” (v.8). In other words, unbelievers often show more savvy and intentionality with money than believers do.

I’ve met many brilliant entrepreneurs, savvy investors, and disciplined savers who are not followers of Christ. Meanwhile, I’ve also seen many Christians struggle—not due to lack of faith, but due to lack of financial literacy and planning.

But Jesus isn’t telling us to imitate the dishonesty of the manager. He’s telling us to imitate his intentionality. The manager thought ahead. He used what little time and resources he had left to prepare for his future.

How often do we think about eternity when we make financial decisions? Do we give generously? Do we invest in what matters to God—His Church, His mission, and the people He loves?

Jesus says, “Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings” (v.9). That’s a poetic way of saying: Use your money now to make an eternal impact. Help others. Fund the Gospel. Be a blessing. Because money will one day fail—but the Kingdom won’t.

Faithfulness in Little Things

Another powerful verse in this passage is verse 10: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much…”

We often wait for “more” before we start honoring God with our finances. “When I get a raise, I’ll start giving.” “When I earn more, I’ll budget better.” But Jesus flips that thinking. Faithfulness begins with what you have now, not with what you hope to have later.

When I started my financial journey, I wasn’t wealthy. I had to work hard to pay off debts, live within my means, and make tough decisions. But it was in those small acts of obedience that God shaped my character and deepened my trust in Him. Looking back, I realize those moments mattered more than the big breaks. They built the foundation for everything else.

You Cannot Serve God and Money

The passage ends with a clear and sobering statement: “No servant can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money” (v.13). That hits deep.

Money is a powerful tool, but it’s also a dangerous master. In our culture—especially in urban centers like Makati—money often becomes an idol. We chase it for security, status, or even identity. But Jesus reminds us: you can only have one true Master.

I’ve had to ask myself hard questions over the years. Am I using money to serve God, or am I using God to get more money? Is my financial life aligned with Kingdom values, or am I just dressing up materialism with spiritual language?

Eternal ROI

Luke 16 reminds me that money is temporary but stewardship is eternal. I want to be a wise and faithful steward—not perfect, but intentional. I want to use every peso, every opportunity, and every season to honor God and invest in what matters to Him.

We all have resources, no matter how limited. The question is: are we managing them with eternity in mind?

When I teach financial literacy, I don’t just want people to be debt-free or financially independent—though those are worthy goals. I want them to see money the way Jesus does: as a tool for faithfulness, generosity, and Kingdom impact.

May we all be found faithful stewards, shrewd for the right reasons, and rich in what truly matters.

I just came from Davao where I was given the privilege to speak to over a hundred business owners for a conference organized by Victory Davao’s business community. The conference featured me and my dear friend Dodong Cacanando. We spoke about how to build and grow business that is God honoring as well as introduce Kingdom principles.

Let me share to you why I believe that godly enterprise is crucial for our society…

Proverbs 11:26 (ESV) – “The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.”

Understanding the Text in Its Context

This proverb was written in the context of an agrarian economy, where grain was not just a commodity—it was life. Farmers who had excess grain during a time of need but chose to withhold it from the market for personal gain were seen as exploiting others’ hardship. That’s why “the people curse him.”

On the other hand, those who fairly sold their grain, even during scarcity, were seen as acting justly and generously. They were remembered and praised for it. In essence, this verse highlights the moral value of just trade and the danger of selfish hoarding.

The Hebrew word translated “holds back” (monea) carries the idea of intentional restraint or withholding. This is not a case of accidental delay—it’s a deliberate act to manipulate supply and increase profit. It’s a picture of injustice, and Scripture is clear: injustice in business is offensive to God.

Applying the Principle to Today

While we no longer live in an agrarian economy, the principle remains the same: how we handle the goods, services, and opportunities entrusted to us reflects our heart before God.

In today’s marketplace, the equivalent of “withholding grain” might be:

• Artificially inflating prices during crises
• Hoarding essential resources (think: medical supplies during pandemics)
• Using insider knowledge to manipulate markets
• Withholding innovation or opportunity for fear of losing competitive edge

The other side of the coin is the ethical businessperson: someone who engages in trade not just for profit, but for service. They provide real value, create jobs, price fairly, pay justly, and contribute to the common good. According to Proverbs, that person is a blessing.

Practical Application: Business as Worship

I’ve spent most of my life in the financial world. I’ve seen the best and worst of what money—and business—can do to the human heart. And here’s what I know: Business isn’t evil. The love of money is. (1 Timothy 6:10)

We need to shift our mindset. Business is not secular while missions and ministry are sacred. If we read our Bibles closely, we’ll see that God has always used business and trade to bless communities and nations. Abraham was a wealthy livestock owner. Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth. Jesus Himself spent most of His adult life working as a carpenter before starting His public ministry.

Business is not just about profit—it’s about purpose.

If you’re a Christian entrepreneur, manager, or employee, your workplace is your mission field. When you serve your customers well, treat your people right, create value, and honor God with your profit—you’re not just working. You’re worshipping.

A Call to Marketplace Christians

Let me leave you with a challenge: Don’t just build a business—build the Kingdom through business.

Run your company with integrity.
Pay your people fairly.
Be generous to your community.
Pay your taxes.
Support your local church.
And always, always put people before profit.

When we do that, we’re not just being good businessmen—we’re being good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

In the end, business done God’s way is a blessing to society—and an act of worship to the Lord.