Jesus spoke about money often. Not because God needs our money, but because what we do with it shows who we really trust.

Stewards, not owners

"The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof" (Psalm 24:1). A steward manages property that belongs to someone else. In the parable of the talents, each servant was trusted with his master's money and asked what he had done with it (Matthew 25:14-30).

That changes the question. It is no longer "How much of my money should I give to God?" but "How should I manage God's money well?" And Jesus said, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10).

Principles that still work

1. Honour God first"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase" (Proverbs 3:9). Give before you spend, not from what is left over.
2. Give every pound a job"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks" (Proverbs 27:23). Write a simple monthly budget: giving, bills, food, travel and saving. If you are married, do it together.
3. Build a small cushion"There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise" (Proverbs 21:20). Even a little saved each month turns emergencies into inconveniences.
4. Take debt seriously"The borrower is servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7). Avoid expensive borrowing for everyday spending, and pay off the most costly debts first.
5. Practise contentment"Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). Comparison is one of the fastest ways into debt.

If debt already feels overwhelming

There is no shame in asking for help, and hiding the letters only makes it worse. Free, confidential advice is available from StepChange Debt Charity, Citizens Advice and the government-backed MoneyHelper service. Be wary of companies that charge fees for debt help you can get for free.

Talk to a pastor too. You may be surprised how many people have walked this road and come through it.

Generosity sets you free

Good stewardship is not about holding tightly. It makes room to give freely and joyfully. We have written more about that in Giving Beyond the Offering Basket.

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