Investing and Building Wealth: A Personal Reflection

By Randell Tiongson on February 10th, 2025

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.

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Reflecting on Already But Not Yet

By Randell Tiongson on February 8th, 2025

The Christian faith is filled with paradoxes that require deep trust in God’s wisdom. One of the most profound is the principle of “already but not yet.” This concept is woven throughout Scripture, shaping our understanding of God’s Kingdom, salvation, and ultimate redemption.

Jesus Himself declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15, ESV). With Christ’s first coming, the Kingdom of God has indeed broken into human history. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we now experience the grace and power of the Gospel, transformed as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Yet, despite this reality, the world remains in brokenness. Sin, suffering, and injustice persist. Paul expresses this tension well: “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19, ESV). While we are already redeemed, we still await the full realization of that redemption when Christ returns. The final victory over sin and death is certain, but we are in the in-between—living in the present reality of God’s reign while anticipating the fullness of His promises.

This paradox affects every aspect of our walk. We experience the Holy Spirit’s power now, yet we still struggle against sin. We proclaim the Gospel boldly, yet we see many reject it. We know Christ reigns as King, yet we await the day every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10-11).

Living in this tension requires faith, patience, and perseverance. It means holding onto hope, knowing that while we may face trials, our present suffering is not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed (Romans 8:18). It means walking in obedience, not just looking forward to eternity but also being salt and light in the world today.

This principle also applies to work and personal finance. As believers, we are called to be diligent and faithful stewards of the resources and opportunities entrusted to us. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” While we may not see immediate financial rewards or career advancements, we trust that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Moreover, financial wisdom calls us to live with an eternal perspective. While we build wealth and provide for our families, we recognize that true security comes not from earthly riches but from our relationship with Christ (Matthew 6:19-20). The “already here but not yet” principle teaches us to balance contentment in our present work with a hopeful anticipation of what God is still doing in and through us.

This principle also extends to family life, discipleship, and church community. In our families, we experience the joy of God’s love, yet we still struggle with imperfections and conflicts. As we raise children or nurture relationships, we rely on God’s grace, knowing that He is continually at work in our homes (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Discipleship follows a similar pattern—we grow in faith and help others do the same, yet we know that maturity in Christ is a lifelong journey (Philippians 1:6). The church community, too, embodies this paradox. It is a place of encouragement and worship, yet it remains a gathering of imperfect people striving toward holiness. We are called to love, serve, and build one another up as we anticipate the perfect unity we will one day share in eternity (Hebrews 10:24-25).

This principle reminds me that my calling is both present and future. God’s work in my life is ongoing—sanctifying me daily, preparing me for the day when faith becomes sight. Until then, I press on, embracing both the already of Christ’s victory and the not yet of its completion, longing for the day when He will make all things new (Revelation 21:5).

Come, Lord Jesus.

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Handling money in light of eternity

By Randell Tiongson on February 1st, 2025

Money is an unavoidable part of life. We earn it, spend it, save it, and sometimes worry about it. But as followers of Christ, we must ask ourselves: How should we handle money in light of eternity? If we truly believe that this life is temporary and that our true home is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), then our financial decisions should reflect that perspective.

1. Recognizing That God Owns Everything

The first step in handling money with an eternal perspective is acknowledging that everything we have belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” This means we are merely stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.

When we view our finances through this lens, we stop seeing money as something to hoard or obsess over. Instead, we begin asking, “How can I use what God has given me for His glory?” Whether through tithing, supporting missions, or helping those in need, our money should be used in ways that honor Him.

2. Storing Treasures in Heaven

Jesus gives us a direct command in Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t save or invest, but it reminds us that accumulating wealth for its own sake is meaningless in the grand scheme of eternity.

The wealth we build on earth is temporary. Stocks crash, properties devalue, and inflation erodes our purchasing power. But when we invest in things of eternal value—supporting God’s work, being generous, and living righteously—we are storing up treasures that will never fade away.

3. Living with Contentment

One of the biggest financial pitfalls today is the endless pursuit of more—more income, more luxury, more status. But Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:6-7, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

Contentment doesn’t mean complacency. It means learning to be grateful and responsible with what we have, rather than constantly chasing material wealth. I have met many people who have high incomes but are never satisfied, and I’ve also met those with modest means but a deep sense of joy and peace. The difference isn’t in their bank accounts—it’s in their hearts.

4. Being Generous and Trusting God’s Provision

The Bible repeatedly calls us to generosity. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” When we give, whether to our church, charities, or individuals in need, we are participating in God’s work and reflecting His character.

But generosity requires faith. It means trusting that God will continue to provide for our needs (Matthew 6:31-33). It’s easy to hold on tightly to money, fearing we won’t have enough. But God calls us to trust Him, knowing that He is our ultimate provider.

5. Avoiding the Trap of Loving Money

Paul warns us in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Money itself is not evil—it is a tool. But when our desire for wealth overtakes our love for God, we are on dangerous ground.

How do we ensure money doesn’t become an idol? By regularly examining our hearts. Are we prioritizing wealth over our spiritual life? Are we making ethical financial decisions? Are we using money to bless others or only ourselves? These are hard questions, but they help keep our financial perspective aligned with eternity.

Using Money for God’s Glory

Handling money in light of eternity doesn’t mean neglecting financial wisdom. We should still budget, save, and invest responsibly. But it does mean shifting our perspective—seeing money as a tool for kingdom impact rather than just personal gain.

At the end of our lives, it won’t matter how much wealth we accumulated, but rather how we used it to serve God and others. So let’s handle our finances with eternity in mind—being faithful stewards, living with contentment, practicing generosity, and keeping our eyes fixed on things that truly last.

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