A Journey To Faithful Stewardship

Sep 5, 2024

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“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” - Romans 6:6

Being born again in Christ changes a person. We’re given a new nature that fights against our old, corrupt nature. Sometimes, the evidence of this is in the area of finances. Straight ahead—a journey to faithful stewardship.

Bobby’s Testimony

It's always a great privilege to connect with people, answer their financial questions, and offer help whenever possible. Recently, we spoke with Bobby from Nebraska, whose story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and determination.

Bobby was in a tough spot. He had accumulated significant debt, including a car repossession, delinquent medical and credit card debt, and unpaid overdraft loans sent to collections. But despite his financial struggles, Bobby was committed to turning his life around. When asked if anything had changed in his life since accumulating that debt, Bobby shared his story.

In his own words, Bobby explained, “Back then, I was big into partying and addicted to drugs. I sold drugs and went to prison for it. Well, now I'm clean and sober. I don't do any of that anymore. I actually have money in my bank account. September 10th, 2021, was the biggest start of it. That’s when I gave my life to Jesus Christ. And now I'm just trying to get everything back in line and where it needs to be.”

Hearing how Bobby’s life has changed since inviting Christ in as his Savior was truly inspiring. His commitment to sobriety and financial stewardship is a powerful example of God’s redemptive power.

Steps Toward Financial Freedom

A few weeks ago, we advised Bobby to take several steps to get his finances in order. First, we recommended that he pull copies of his credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to identify all his debts. Then, we suggested he contact Christian Credit Counselors to help manage his credit card debt through a debt management plan, which would consolidate his payments and help him pay off his debt faster.

We also offered to connect Bobby with one of our Certified Christian Financial Counselors (CertCFC) at no charge. This counselor would work with him one-on-one to develop a budget and create a plan for paying off his old debts. Finally, we took a moment to pray with Bobby, thanking God for His miraculous intervention and the gift of eternal life that Bobby had received.

Biblical Principles Guiding Bobby's Transformation

Bobby’s journey highlights several biblical principles that are now guiding his life:

The Body as a Temple: Bobby’s decision to give up drugs aligns with 1 Corinthians 6:19, which reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Recognizing that we are not our own but belong to God is a powerful motivator for making healthy choices.
Humility: Bobby’s willingness to seek help, even on a public platform, reflects the humility described in Proverbs 22:4: “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”
Honesty: Bobby’s commitment to owning up to his debt is a reflection of the biblical principle of honesty. Exodus 20:16 and Colossians 3:9 teach us the importance of living truthfully, especially as followers of Christ.
Repaying Debts: The Bible emphasizes the importance of repaying what we owe. Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.” Bobby’s desire to pay off his debt is a step toward fulfilling this principle.
Stewardship: Perhaps the most significant principle guiding Bobby now is stewardship. He wants to manage his finances faithfully, in line with 1 Corinthians 4:2: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

We were grateful to help Bobby on his journey to faithful stewardship, and we want to extend that same help to you. If you’re struggling with your finances, need help creating a budget, or want to develop a plan to pay down debt and start saving, please reach out to us. We’re here to help you take the next step toward financial freedom and faithful stewardship.

Bobby’s story is a powerful reminder that with God’s help, it’s never too late to turn your life around and get back on track. If you’re ready to take that step, we’re here to walk alongside you.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I'm 70 and have a lot saved in my retirement accounts. I want to help my daughter and son-in-law, who are in their 20s, buy their first home. What's the best way for me to gift them money from my 401(k) without creating tax issues?
I renovated a duplex and am having trouble renting it out. Should I sell the property to avoid capital gains taxes or keep trying to find tenants?
I rent out a 3-unit apartment building. Would applying for an LLC benefit this rental property?

Resources Mentioned:

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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