Lessons in Stewardship: The Prodigal and the Rich Fool

"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” — Matthew 25:21

Those are the words every believer longs to hear. That’s why it’s important to regularly reflect on how we’re stewarding the resources God has entrusted to us. Today, Rachel McDonough joins us to share three key Scriptures and prayers to help guide us in faithful stewardship.

Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and a regular Faith & Finance contributor.

These passages reveal that what seems wise from a financial standpoint may sometimes be wasteful in God’s eyes, and what appears to be wasteful may, in fact, be an act of deep wisdom. True stewardship isn’t just about following formulas—it’s about surrendering our hearts to God.

1. The Woman Who Anointed Jesus: Extravagant Worship

Our first passage comes from a well-known story found in all four Gospels—the woman who anointed Jesus.

Jesus was at a dinner party when a woman entered and broke a bottle of expensive perfume, pouring it over Him in an act of extravagant worship. The disciples were outraged, arguing that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Yet, Jesus saw it differently. He recognized her act as a prophetic preparation for His burial, honoring her sacrifice.

From a financial perspective, this act seemed irresponsible—her life savings were gone instantly. But in God’s economy, radical, sold-out worship is never wasted. When Jesus becomes our ultimate treasure, we position ourselves to live in step with His divine purposes.

A Prayer for Worshipful Stewardship

"God, give us eyes to see that the true treasure is You, not wealth. Help us to pour out extravagant worship at the feet of Jesus, holding nothing back. Teach us to move beyond routine generosity and embrace radical worship. Align our hearts with the rhythms of heaven so that we are available for Your purposes in every kairos moment. Amen."

2. The Prodigal Son’s Father: A Heart for People, Not Just Money

We often focus on the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable, but what if we shift our attention to the father?

When the younger son demanded his inheritance and squandered it, the father allowed him to make a major financial mistake. From a worldly perspective, this decision was both unwise and unfair—especially to the older, responsible son. But the father’s actions reflected God’s heart, showing that relationships matter more than wealth.

As stewards, we often want to control how money is used, especially when passing wealth to the next generation. Yet, God’s example shows that our trust should be in Him, not in financial security. Just as Jesus entrusted the moneybag to Judas despite knowing his character, we, too, must release control and trust God to work in our children’s lives.

A Prayer for Generational Stewardship

"Father God, help us see that real value is found in people, not money. Teach us to cherish and train up the next generation, knowing that they can do far more for Your Kingdom than our wealth ever could. Free us from the fear that leads to control, and fill us with faith that You are the true provider. May Your blessing extend for a thousand generations, shaping hearts that desire to serve You. Amen."

3. The Rich Fool: Avoiding Self-Reliance in Wealth

Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12) warns against the dangers of hoarding wealth without consulting God. When a farmer received an abundant harvest, he decided to build bigger barns to store it all rather than seek God’s guidance. He assumed financial security equated to a long, worry-free life. But God called him a fool because his soul would be required of him that very night.

When we experience financial blessings, our first instinct is often to protect and preserve. But stewardship isn’t about accumulation or self-reliance—it’s about trusting God and using our resources for His Kingdom. Wealth must never replace God as our source of security.

A Prayer for Humble Stewardship

"God, help us to see that the purpose of stewardship is not self-preservation or accumulation. You alone are our provider. Protect our hearts from the deceitfulness of wealth, which falsely promises security and significance. When money tempts us to rely on ourselves—teach us to unclench our fists and give freely. May our generosity reflect our trust in You, and may we cherish what You cherish—loving relationships and eternal Kingdom impact. Amen."

True Stewardship Reflects God's Heart

Stewardship is not just about wise money management—it’s about reflecting God’s character in the way we handle wealth. When our abundance is found in Christ, generosity flows naturally from a grateful heart.

As Proverbs 21:5 reminds us:

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."

Let us be diligent in our stewardship but also faithful in seeking God's purpose. May our financial decisions flow from a heart that treasures God above all else.

For more insights on biblical stewardship from Rachel McDonough, visit WealthSq.com.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I received $17,000 unexpectedly and wanted to put it in CDs, but my bank no longer offers those high rates. I saw someone on TV suggest looking for high-interest savings accounts, but I'm unsure about using online banks. What would you advise?
• I'm 65 and taking $2,100 per month from a Jackson fund. I'm putting $900 back into a growth fund, but I'm using the extra $1,100 to help my family. Should I put all $2,100 back into the growth fund instead of enjoying it now, or would that take away from my kids' inheritance later?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine
• Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU)
• WealthSq.com
• Bankrate.com
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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