Manage Money & Win When You Follow a Christian Budget
February 19, 2025
One of the main reasons why people struggle with money is that they prioritize the various uses of money in a way that isn’t just unhelpful, it’s harmful. Oftentimes, they don’t even consciously choose their financial priorities. They just seem to find themselves swept along in this dangerous direction.
If our consumer culture could speak to you about your budget priorities, it would say:
“Great, you’re making $80,000 per year. Here’s what you can do with it. You can live in this neighborhood, drive this type of car, vacation here, go out to eat there, and buy this brand of clothing.”
Spending comes first, and when spending comes first, what comes next is debt—the usually too-big house payment, the car payment, the student loan payment, the credit card payment, and more.
After all that spending and all of those debt payments, if anything is left over, some might be saved, some might be invested, and some might be given away. Usually, though, there isn’t much left over.
This way of prioritizing money explains why too many people have too much stress and too little savings. Why they “can’t afford” to save, invest, or give. Why there never seems to be enough.
A better way
There’s a far better financial framework, a far better way to prioritize your use of money. A way that leads to financial freedom and joy. A way that keeps stress levels down and peace of mind levels up. A way in which there is always enough.
If God could speak to you audibly about your budget priorities, He would probably say something like this:
“I’m entrusting you with $80,000 per year. That means you can join me in the soul-satisfying adventure of meeting needs, changing lives, and even shaping eternities to this degree. You can set aside this much to build a reserve that will bring you a wonderful sense of peace. You can invest in the future goals I put on your heart to this degree.
“And then, with all the money that’s still available, you can live in this neighborhood, drive this type of car, vacation here, go out to eat there and shop for clothing in these types of stores. Remember, I have richly provided you with everything for your enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17). I want money to be a blessing in your life.
“Oh, and remember, I paid a high price for you, so please, please do not enslave yourselves to creditors.”
-1 Corinthians 7:23
With this framework, giving, saving, and investing come first, which means there’s always enough for those priorities. Then, with all that remains, you spend—on housing, transportation, clothing, vacations, and all the rest. Along the way, there are no debt payments other than a reasonable mortgage.
It’s an incredibly simple idea. And it’s simply incredible how effective it is.
Framing your future
The common cultural financial framework looks like this:
1. Spend
2. Make debt payments
3. Save
4. Invest
5. Give
It’s the framework used by people the Bible calls “foolish” who build on the shifting sand of our consumer culture.
“…everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:26-27).
The uncommon, biblically-informed financial framework looks like this:
1. Give
2. Save
3. Invest
4. Spend
5. Be cautious in your use of debt
It’s the framework used by people the Bible calls “wise” who build on the solid rock of God’s Word.
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).
The budgetary framework of a wise builder is so simple, so powerful, and so rare. Be that uncommon person who puts this biblically-informed financial framework to use and it will make an incredible difference in your life.
Enhance your devotion to biblical stewardship with a Christian banking institution. Join CCCU today!
Matt Bell is the author of Trusted: Preparing Your Kids for a Lifetime of God-Honoring Money Management. He speaks at churches and conferences throughout the country and writes the MattAboutMoney blog.
This article should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. You may wish to consult a tax or financial advisor about your individual financial situation.
