When we talk about personal finance, we usually focus on skills: budgeting, investing, saving, and so on. These are all important and I’ve taught them for years. But there’s a deeper, often overlooked issue that needs to be addressed—the issue of sin.

Yes, sin can mess up your finances. And I’m not just talking about corruption or theft. I’m talking about everyday decisions, attitudes, and patterns that flow from a broken heart and disordered priorities. If we’re honest, many of our financial problems are not just math problems—they’re heart problems.

But here’s the good news: the Gospel doesn’t just save your soul—it can also redeem your wallet.

Let’s unpack that.

1. Greed Destroys, Contentment Restores

The Bible is clear about the danger of greed. It’s one of the most subtle but deadly financial sins. It tells us, “You never have enough,” and pushes us to spend beyond our means or pursue money at any cost.

1 Timothy 6:9–10 (ESV) warns us:

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”

Greed leads to debt, discontentment, anxiety, and broken relationships. But the Gospel reminds us that Christ is enough. In Him, we are already rich—not because of our bank accounts, but because we’ve received every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).

When we live in that truth, contentment becomes our default posture—and that’s when we start making wiser financial decisions.

2. Pride Blinds, Humility Opens Your Eyes

Pride makes us think we’re in control, that we know better, that we don’t need help. It keeps us from seeking financial advice, from being honest about our spending, or from living within our means.

I’ve seen many people suffer financially not because they lack income, but because they refused to submit to wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18 (ESV) says:

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

But the Gospel humbles us. It reminds us that we are sinners in need of grace. And that includes our finances. When we walk in humility, we begin to listen, to learn, to repent—and to grow.

3. Envy Consumes, Gratitude Grounds You

In our social media world, it’s easy to compare lifestyles, gadgets, vacations, and investments. Envy sets in, and before you know it, you’re spending money you don’t have just to keep up with people you don’t even know that well.

But envy will never be satisfied. The Gospel, on the other hand, produces gratitude. It reminds us that every good gift comes from above (James 1:17) and that our worth is not defined by what we own, but by who owns us.

Gratitude grounds us in reality and helps us use our money for what truly matters—not for show, but for stewardship.

4. Laziness Keeps You Stuck, Discipleship Gets You Moving

Let’s be honest: some financial struggles are due to a lack of diligence. Laziness may not always look like sleeping in—it can also look like procrastinating, avoiding responsibility, or refusing to grow.

Proverbs 10:4 (ESV) says:

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

The Gospel doesn’t just call us to believe—it calls us to follow Jesus. And following Him includes diligence, responsibility, and stewardship. Discipleship shapes our work ethic, our discipline, and our desire to honor God with how we earn and handle money.

The Gospel Changes Everything, including Your Finances

When Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21), He revealed a profound truth: Your money always follows your heart.

If your heart is ruled by sin—greed, pride, envy, laziness—your finances will reflect that.
But if your heart is ruled by Christ, your finances can be redeemed. Not just balanced—but transformed. You begin to give generously. Save wisely. Spend purposefully. And invest in eternity.

That’s not just financial freedom—that’s Kingdom stewardship.

Remember…

We don’t just need better money habits—we need a new heart.

And that’s exactly what the Gospel gives us.

So if you’re struggling with your finances, don’t just ask, “What should I do?” Start by asking, “Who am I becoming?” Let Jesus deal with the sin behind the spending. Let Him reorder your desires and transform your perspective.

Your wallet may follow your heart—but thanks to the Gospel, both can be made new.