Stewardship in the Bible

Practical Steps for managing God’s money, Budgeting and Getting Out of Debt

Let’s be real—money can be stressful. Bills pile up, debt feels like a weight around your neck, and budgeting? That just sounds like a fancy word for “no fun.” But here’s the thing: God cares about how we handle our money. He wants us to be good stewards of what He’s given us, and that means having a plan. So, let’s break it down with some practical steps for biblical budgeting and getting out of debt.  

1. Start with Giving  Before you do anything else, give to God. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” When you put God first in your finances, you’re saying, “I trust You more than my paycheck.” It’s not about the amount—it’s about the heart. Start your budget by setting aside a portion for giving, whether it’s to your church, a ministry, or someone in need.  

2. Make a Plan (aka Budget)  Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit, but everyone who is hasty comes to poverty.” Translation? If you don’t have a plan, your money will disappear faster than you can say “Amazon Prime.” Here’s how to start:  

• Track Your Spending: Write down everything you spend for a month. Yes, even that latte. You’ll be shocked at where your money goes.  

• Set Priorities: After giving, focus on necessities—housing, food, utilities, and transportation. Then, allocate money for savings, debt payments, and yes, even some fun.  

• Stick to It: A budget only works if you follow it. Use apps, spreadsheets, or good ol’ pen and paper to keep yourself accountable.  

3. Tackle Debt Like a Boss  Debt can feel overwhelming, but with a plan, you can crush it. Here’s how:  

• List Your Debts: Write down every debt you have—credit cards, student loans, car payments, everything.  

• Snowball Method: Pay off the smallest debt first while making minimum payments on the rest. Once the smallest debt is gone, roll that payment into the next one. It’s like a snowball rolling downhill—it gets bigger and faster as it goes.  

• Cut Expenses: Look for ways to trim your spending. Cancel subscriptions you don’t use, eat out less, and find cheaper alternatives for things like cable or phone plans.  

• Increase Income: Consider a side hustle or selling stuff you don’t need. Every extra dollar you make can go toward paying off debt faster.  

4. Save for a Rainy Day  Proverbs 6:6-8 tells us to learn from the ant, who stores up food in the summer for the winter. Life is full of surprises—car repairs, medical bills, job loss—so having an emergency fund is crucial. Aim to save 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses. Start small if you need to, but start.  

5. Stay Guarded Against Greed  Jesus warned us in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” A budget helps protect your heart from materialism. It keeps you focused on what truly matters—God, family, and relationships—not just stuff.  

Bottom Line  Budgeting and getting out of debt isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom. When you have a plan, you’re no longer a slave to your finances. You’re free to live generously, save wisely, and honor God with everything you have. So, take that first step today. Your future self will thank you.