Spirit-Led Finances Start in the Heart

In Matthew 6, Jesus lays out some fundamentals of a Spirit-led life: giving, praying, fasting, and trusting God with our daily needs. He makes it clear—it’s not just about what you do, but why you do it.

“Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise, you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:1 NASB

Here’s the truth: your actions matter. But the motive behind those actions? That’s what reveals the truth about your relationship with God.

You can pray, fast, or give all you want. But if the heart behind it is wrong—if it’s about impressing people, earning approval, or chasing a blessing—Jesus says that’s no good.


Let’s Talk About Giving
I know - just bringing up “giving” makes some people tense up. Maybe you’ve heard bad teaching in the past. Maybe you’ve seen manipulative leadership. Or maybe money already feels like a heavy subject in your life.

So let’s start by clearing the air:

1. You’re not cursed if you don’t give.
2. It’s not a lottery ticket if you do give.
3. Giving is about reflecting God’s character.
4. Giving is an act of faith, not a get-rich scheme.

When you strip away all the noise, that’s freeing. Giving isn’t about pressure or superstition. It’s about trust.


When Leaders Get It Wrong
The Bible doesn’t shy away from the danger of leadership gone bad. In 1 Samuel 2, we meet Hophni and Phinehas—priests who abused the offerings for their own benefit. The people were so disgusted, Scripture says they abhorred giving.

Corrupt leadership can deeply wound people. Maybe that’s why so many today have spiritual “PTSD” around giving—it’s been twisted, abused, or used to elevate leaders instead of God. Jesus calls that a great sin.

But here’s the good news: man’s corruption doesn’t erase God’s good design.


God’s Way with Money
So what’s the right way? Jesus reminds us: give in secret. Don’t sound a trumpet. Don’t make it about you. Let your giving be something sacred between you and God. And the Father who sees in secret? He knows how to reward what’s real.

But this isn’t just about the act of giving—it’s about our whole approach to finances:

• Get free from debt. Proverbs 22:7 says “the borrower is slave to the lender.” Debt makes money your master.
• Plan ahead. Luke 14:28 reminds us to count the cost and build wisely. Discipline today creates freedom tomorrow.
• Stay cheerful. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” That means giving rooted in trust, not guilt or pressure.

The truth is, the Bible has a lot to say about how we handle money because God knows how much it affects our daily lives. When we follow His wisdom, we discover that finances aren’t just practical—they’re spiritual.


A Personal Reflection
Here’s something I’ve noticed in my own life: when I’m weighed down by debt, giving is difficult— it even feels forced. But when my finances are in order, generosity flows naturally. I want to give. I can give.

Giving is just one part of healthy finances. God’s vision is for us to be whole – that’s the Sozo Life – and that includes being well in our finances, too.

Here’s a question to consider Is it possible that financial issues feel heaviest when we stop recognizing God as our source? Scripture seems to say yes. When I see Him as my Provider, I can give with freedom. When He’s at the center, money loses its grip over me.


Make Money a Tool, Not a Master
Let me be clear: I’m not saying you can never spend money, or that every extra dollar must go toward saving or giving. But here’s the thing—if you feel guilty for ever spending, money is still calling the shots. You may not be in debt anymore, but it still rules over you by making you feel like it’s wrong to enjoy what you’ve earned.

Both debt and greed put money in the driver's seat, and that’s not where it belongs.
I believe you can afford anything you believe you need. The key is to save up and spend wisely.

When you do that, you’re no longer enslaved to money. You’ve built habits that give you freedom to choose—whether to buy or to pass.

Money becomes a tool in your hand, not a master over your life. And when money isn’t your master, giving stops feeling like a burden. It starts feeling like joy.


Your Turn:

What step do you need to take this week to bring your finances under God’s order? Paying off a debt? Reworking a budget? Or maybe giving quietly in faith?

Remember—your Father sees in secret. And that’s enough.