There are many ratios, percentages, and metrics used to measure financial success. Common personal finance benchmarks include level of income, expenses, net worth, savings rate, debt-to-income ratio, emergency fund ratio, and various investment measurements like rates of return and asset allocation percentages.
We often see guidelines revealing how much one should have saved by a certain age or how much should be saved based on one’s level of income. Yet, these metrics are usually based on worldly principles that can cause us to stray from biblical principles of financial management.
So, as Christ followers, how should we measure financial success? We often say that we desire to manage God’s resources, God’s way, for God’s glory. Financial success begins with recognizing that God is the owner of everything, not us (Psalm 24:1).
Then we are to manage what He entrusts to us based on the teachings of His Word, not personal finance magazines. Finally, we are to use what we have been given to bring glory to Him, not ourselves.
It is easy to succumb to the trappings of this world and measure ourselves according to worldly standards. Let’s not fall prey to that type of thinking but embrace biblical principles of finance in managing our resources. This practice will lead to true financial success!
Need Help?
Not a BMA Financial Member yet?
Schedule a FREE Financial Assessment to see how we can help you manage God’s money, God’s way, for God’s glory!
Steve Crawley, PhD
BMA Financial
Executive Director