There are days when I sit down with my budget and feel the weight of stewardship like a heavy mantle on my shoulders. As someone who teaches personal finance, I know full well the biblical call to manage money wisely. I believe in budgets, in living within your means, in delayed gratification, and in investing with eternity in mind. But every now and then, I wrestle with this question:

Am I merely a steward, or am I also a son? And how do those two identities relate when it comes to money?

The Call to Stewardship

Scripture is crystal clear: God owns everything, and I own nothing.
Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” That means every peso I earn, every asset I acquire, even the breath in my lungs—it all belongs to Him. I am simply a steward—a manager entrusted with His resources.

Jesus reinforces this in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), where servants are entrusted with the master’s property and held accountable for what they do with it. This parable has shaped much of my life and teaching: we are not owners; we are entrusted managers.

Because of this, I’ve worked hard to live out biblical stewardship—saving diligently, giving generously, avoiding debt, and teaching others to do the same. Stewardship brings discipline, clarity, and purpose to our finances. But stewardship alone can become transactional if we forget the bigger picture.

The Assurance of Sonship

In moments of pressure—when investments don’t perform, when expenses pile up, or when giving becomes sacrificial—I have to remind myself:

I am not just a steward. I am a son.

Romans 8:15 says, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”

There’s profound rest in knowing that I am a child of God, not just His employee. Sons have access. Sons have inheritance. Sons are loved, not just evaluated.

When I slip into a purely stewardship mindset, I sometimes find myself anxious and controlling. I worry if I’ve done enough, saved enough, or given enough. But the identity of a son reminds me that I don’t earn God’s favor through spreadsheets. My worth isn’t tied to how well I manage the money—it’s rooted in the finished work of Christ.

The Tension: Balancing Both Identities

So which one is it? Am I a steward or a son?

The answer is both, but with an important order.
I am a son first, and because I am a son, I steward well.

My stewardship flows out of my sonship. I manage God’s resources not to earn His approval but because I already have it. My financial obedience is not to gain His love, but because I am secure in it.

Luke 15 tells the story of the prodigal son, but it’s also the story of the older brother—the one who stayed, obeyed, and served, but missed the joy of simply being a son. That story humbles me. I don’t want to be a financial older brother—diligent but disconnected from the Father’s heart.

My Thoughts

Being a steward keeps me faithful.
Being a son keeps me secure.

Yes, we are called to be wise, diligent, and accountable with money. But let’s never forget:

We are not just God’s managers—we are His children.

So today, I budget with discipline and give with generosity. But I do so with joy, not anxiety. Because before I am a steward of the Kingdom—I am a son of the King.

As a personal finance advocate and follower of Christ, I have always been drawn to what the Bible teaches about money, investing, and building wealth. With proper context, Scripture provides profound wisdom on these topics, offering guidance on how we should steward our financial resources with wisdom and integrity. Investing is not just about accumulating wealth for personal gain but about managing God’s resources wisely for His purposes.

Stewardship: The Foundation of Biblical Investing

One of the most fundamental biblical principles about wealth is stewardship. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Everything we have belongs to God, and we are merely stewards of His blessings. This means that our financial decisions, including investing, should reflect His values.

Jesus’ Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates this beautifully. The master entrusts his servants with money, expecting them to invest and multiply it. Two of the servants faithfully increase what they were given, while the third, out of fear, buries his talent and is rebuked for his inaction. This parable teaches us that God expects us to use and grow the resources He entrusts to us, not squander them in fear or laziness.

Diligence and Hard Work

Proverbs 13:11 states, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” This verse underscores the importance of patience and diligence in financial growth. Investing is a long-term endeavor, requiring wisdom, discipline, and perseverance. Get-rich-quick schemes and speculative ventures often lead to ruin, while steady, disciplined investing leads to lasting prosperity.

The Bible also encourages hard work as a means of financial success. Proverbs 14:23 affirms, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Investing wisely requires effort—researching, planning, and being patient with the process. Hard work, when coupled with faith, is a biblical approach to wealth-building.

Avoiding Greed and Dishonest Gain

While the Bible encourages wealth-building, it also warns against greed and unethical practices. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” Notice that money itself is not the problem—it’s the love of money that leads to corruption. Our motivation for investing and building wealth should be aligned with God’s purposes, not personal greed.

Proverbs 28:20 states, “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” Ethical investing and wealth-building require honesty and integrity. We should avoid unethical business practices, dishonest gain, or investments that exploit others. Honoring God in our financial dealings should always be our priority.

Diversification and Wise Planning

Ecclesiastes 11:2 offers sound financial advice: “Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.” This verse highlights the wisdom of diversification—spreading investments across different assets to manage risk. Modern financial experts echo this principle, encouraging diversified portfolios to safeguard against market fluctuations.

Proverbs 21:5 further supports careful planning: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Investing should be a deliberate, well-thought-out process rather than impulsive or reckless decisions. Long-term financial security comes from patience, wisdom, and strategic planning.

Generosity and Kingdom Impact

One of the greatest purposes of wealth-building is to be a blessing to others. Proverbs 11:25 teaches, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” God blesses us financially so we can bless others—whether through tithing, supporting missions, helping the poor, or funding initiatives that advance His kingdom.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 emphasizes generous giving: “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” As we invest and build wealth, we should cultivate a generous heart, always remembering that our blessings are meant to be shared.

Trusting God Over Wealth

While wise investing and wealth-building are biblical principles, our trust should never be in our financial security but in God alone. Proverbs 3:9-10 instructs, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” Our ultimate security comes not from our investments but from God’s provision.

Jesus warns in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” While financial planning is important, our greatest investment should always be in eternal things—our relationship with God, our family, and the work of His Kingdom.

This is something I need to remind myself: wealth is not an end in itself but a tool for advancing God’s purposes.

The question I ask myself—and encourage others to ask—is: Am I managing my finances in a way that honors God? My goal is not just financial success but faithful stewardship, using wealth as a means to serve God and bless others. If we align our financial decisions with biblical principles, we will not only experience financial peace but also the deep satisfaction of knowing that we are living in obedience to God’s will.

My 2 cents.

As a financial educator and a believer, I often hear the claim that “Jesus spoke more about money than anything else.” In fact, I may have said that a few times in the past… sorry Lord. It’s a statement that has been widely circulated in sermons, financial seminars, and even in the pulpit. But is it actually true? A closer look at Scripture, with proper understanding, reveals a different story. While Jesus certainly spoke about money, wealth, and possessions, His primary focus was on the Kingdom of God and our relationship with Him. However, that does not mean we cannot learn powerful financial principles from His teachings.

What Did Jesus Actually Teach About the Most?

If we study the Gospels carefully, Jesus’ dominant message is about the Kingdom of God. Time and again, He speaks of God’s rule, righteousness, and how people should align their lives with His will. Topics like faith, love, grace, repentance, and eternal life are central to His teachings.

Money and wealth, though frequently mentioned, are often used as illustrations rather than the main subject of His messages. Consider the parables of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7). These teachings are about faith, redemption, and God’s relentless pursuit of His people, rather than financial management.

Why Do People Think Jesus Spoke About Money the Most?

There are certainly many passages where Jesus addresses financial matters. Approximately 16 out of His 38 recorded parables mention money or possessions. He speaks about giving (Mark 12:41-44), stewardship (Luke 16:1-13), and warns against greed (Luke 12:15-21). Because money is interwoven into so many of His teachings, it’s easy to assume that it was His primary topic.

However, quantity does not always equate to priority. Jesus used money as an accessible analogy because it was something people in every era could understand. He knew that wealth could either be a tool for good or an obstacle to faith. When He warned that “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24), He wasn’t saying that money is inherently evil—rather, He was teaching that our ultimate loyalty should belong to God alone.

What Financial Lessons Can We Learn From Jesus’ Teachings?

While Jesus did not focus exclusively on money, His words offer incredible wisdom for how we should handle it. Here are some key lessons:

1. Money is a Heart Issue

In Matthew 6:21, Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This reminds us that our financial choices reflect what we truly value. If we prioritize wealth above all else, it can lead us away from God. But if we use our financial resources wisely and generously, we demonstrate our trust in Him.

2. Stewardship Over Ownership

Jesus’ parables about money often emphasize stewardship rather than ownership. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), He illustrates that everything we have is entrusted to us by God, and we are called to use it wisely. This challenges us to be responsible with our finances—whether through saving, investing, or giving.

3. Contentment is Greater Than Wealth

One of Jesus’ most countercultural teachings is found in Luke 12:15: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” In a world that constantly tells us to chase more, Jesus reminds us that true fulfillment isn’t found in material wealth but in a life aligned with God’s purpose.

4. Generosity is a Reflection of Faith

Jesus consistently taught the importance of generosity. Whether it was the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) or the command to give without expecting in return (Luke 6:38), He made it clear that a giving heart reflects a trust in God’s provision. Financially, this means practicing tithing, charitable giving, and helping those in need as an act of worship.

5. Wealth Can Be a Blessing or a Barrier

Jesus never condemned wealth itself, but He did warn against its dangers. The story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-27) demonstrates how attachment to riches can hinder our spiritual journey. This doesn’t mean that being wealthy is wrong, but it challenges us to ask: Is my money serving God, or is it controlling me?

Final thoughts

While the claim that Jesus spoke about money more than anything else is an exaggeration, there’s no denying that His teachings contain profound financial wisdom. Jesus may not be a financial advisor, but He understood the human heart—and He knew that money would always be a major factor in our lives.

The true lesson from Jesus isn’t just about money management; it’s about trust, priorities, and our relationship with God. Whether we have little or much, we are called to be faithful stewards, generous givers, and people who find our ultimate security not in wealth, but in Him.

So let’s learn from Jesus—not just to be better with money, but to be richer in faith, character, and purpose… and most importantly that He is our Lord and Savior.