Money.

It’s strange how something so ordinary can shape so much of our thinking — how we work, plan, give, and even trust.

Maybe that’s why Jesus talked about it so often — not to shame us, but because He knew how tightly we’d hold on.

And how hard it would be to let go.

My Dad’s Morning Routine

Every morning before work, my dad had a routine:
Two slices of bread with marmalade and cheese, a locked door, and silence.
Not to check the stock market or his emails — but to read first his leadership Bible, and then the morning news.

Even during his political years, that rhythm never changed.

He built everything from the ground up and became a respected businessman and strategist — but what impressed me most wasn’t his success.
It was the way he handled money: with faith, not fear.

He taught me early that wealth isn’t ours.
It’s on loan.
To manage.
To grow.
And, most importantly — to do good.

Teenage Me vs. Finance – good luck

When I was a teenager, my dad tried to teach me about investing.
I hated it.

I wanted to talk about literally anything else — clothes, school, the meaning of life — but not compound interest.
He, however, was on a mission.

He didn’t believe in letting money nap inside a savings account.
He wanted me to learn how to make it work for you — through wise, intentional investment.

At the time, I rolled my eyes.
Now? I’m thankful.

Those conversations planted seeds that grew later.

And even with all his financial wisdom, he always circled back to one truth:

“Everything you need to know about money and wealth is in Proverbs.”

Spoiler: He was right.

Humility in the Fine Print

In our home, success and service came as a set.
Every time I got a little too shiny-eyed about money, my parents lovingly pulled me back down to earth.

Volunteer day? Signed up.
Bake sale for orphans? You bet.
Visiting prisons with Mom? Apparently, “character building.”

Let’s just say teenage me was not thrilled.

And don’t even get me started on tithing.
Giving 10% of my earnings?
“Why? It’s never enough anyway… they’re just going to ask for more!”

Yeah, I didn’t get it.
Not yet.

The Trip That Flipped Everything

Years later, I quit my job and went backpacking around the world.
I volunteered. I explored.
And somewhere between airports and mission fields, I found my way back to Jesus.

(If you’ve been following my faith series, you’ll know this part. If not – start there When I gave up on God)

One day, I heard a sermon on wealth.
The preacher said:

“God doesn’t need your money.
He invites you to manage what already belongs to Him.”

Boom.

That was it. The penny dropped. (Pun absolutely intended.)

Nothing I have belongs to me.
Not my time.
Not my health.
Not my money.
Not even my talents.

It’s all on loan from God.

He never said money was a bad thing. Scripture is full of both rich and poor people who served Him faithfully.
The question isn’t how much we have, but what we do with what He’s trusted us with.

Steward it with love.
With generosity.
With purpose.

The Heart Behind the Gift

Jesus often spoke about wise stewards — managers who took what they were given and made it grow.
They planned. They multiplied. They cared.
And He called that faithfulness.

Generosity without wisdom can sometimes do more harm than good.
That’s why the call isn’t just to give, but to steward.

So whether you’re helping someone in need, supporting a cause, or investing in God’s work — do it prayerfully.
Ask: “Lord, how do You want me to use what’s Yours today?”

Because true generosity isn’t about saying “yes” to every request.
It’s about saying “yes” to God’s leading — with wisdom, joy, and purpose.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart,
not reluctantly or under compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7

The Bible isn’t here to guilt us into generosity.
It’s here to guide our hearts.

Whether you give $1 or $1,000, what matters most is why.
Give out of joy, not pressure.
Out of love, not guilt.

My Mother’s Kind of Wealth

If I’m honest, the person who modeled generosity best wasn’t my dad — it was my mom.

She gave, yes, but she gave herself even more.
Her time. Her attention. Her warmth.

She served, loved, and showed up — for everyone.
Sick people, orphans, prisoners — didn’t matter.
She showed up. Fully. Always. And that’s the kind of wealth I want now.

Learning to Trust

Jesus changed everything.

He opened my eyes to see that I’m not in control — and I don’t have to be.
He provides.

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33

Money isn’t the enemy.
It’s a tool.
And we’re called to manage it with wisdom, faith, and love — for His glory, not ours.

So if you’ve ever wrestled with giving, generosity, or finances in general — same.
You’re not alone.

Start where you are.
Give with joy.
Live with purpose.

It’s not about perfection — it’s about trust.
And honestly?
Jesus is the best financial advisor you’ll ever have.