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.