The Foundation: From Surrender to Stewardship
Every believer’s journey begins with surrender — the moment we admit that God’s plan is superior to our own. We accept Jesus as Savior, believing He died and rose again so that we might be saved.¹ But spiritual maturity calls us beyond that first moment of belief. Over time, faith transforms into obedience. Jesus ceases to be only Savior and becomes Lord — not just of our hearts, but of every corner of our lives, including our finances.
The Refining Work of God
In the early stages of faith, surrender often looks like leaving behind obvious sin. But as we grow, God begins addressing deeper issues: pride, control, and ultimately, trust.
He begins asking:
- “Am I Lord over your relationships?”
- “Am I Lord over your career?”
- “Am I Lord over your finances?”
These questions reveal what we truly trust — God, or ourselves.
God Is the Provider
In a culture that equates success with accumulation, it’s easy to forget that God alone is the source of all provision. Scripture reminds us:
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.”²
Yes, work matters — but opportunity, strength, and increase come from Him. When we acknowledge that God is the ultimate provider, true financial peace and abundance follow.
Faith Over Fear: The Purpose of the Tithe
One of the first acts of faith with money is the tithe. Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek; Jacob vowed a tenth to God.³ Yet, few modern believers follow this principle.
Why?
Because tithing confronts our deepest fear: “Will I have enough?”
But God invites us to test His faithfulness:
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.”⁴
To tithe is to declare, “God, I don’t just believe in You — I believe You.”
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”⁷
Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q1
Money as Blessing or Burden
Wealth is morally neutral. It becomes either a tool for good or a source of bondage depending on who sits on the throne of your heart.
Jesus said,
“You cannot serve both God and money.”⁵
That’s why He commands us to store up treasures in heaven, where no market correction, inflation, or thief can touch them.⁶
What It Means to Invest in Eternity
To invest in eternity is to take an infinite view of your wealth. This principle is the cornerstone of the Faith Forward Framework. It means aligning your resources with eternal purpose by:
- Believing God is your provider.
- Using wealth to advance His kingdom.
- Building a legacy that glorifies Him, not self.
When you invest in eternity, your giving becomes worship, your work becomes mission, and your wealth becomes ministry.
Redefining Legacy
In the financial world, legacy is often defined by what we leave behind. But Scripture invites us to think eternally.
Earthly legacies fade — studies show most family wealth disappears by the third generation. But when your legacy is rooted in God’s glory, it endures forever.
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”⁷
True legacy is not about your name, but His.
True legacy is not about your name, but His.
Living Water and Eternal Overflow
Jesus described Himself as living water that springs up into eternal life.⁸ That living water begins flowing the moment we surrender every part of our lives — including our finances — to Him.
When we invest in eternity, we join the eternal flow of God’s kingdom work. What we give, build, and steward today can ripple into eternity.
Conclusion: Stewardship That Outlives You
Faithful stewardship begins with surrender and ends with eternal reward.
When we believe God is who He says He is, we can finally invest where returns never fade — in eternity.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”⁹
Footnotes
- Romans 10:9 (NIV)
- Proverbs 10:22 (NIV)
- Genesis 14:20; Genesis 28:22 (NIV)
- Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
- Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
- Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV)
- Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q1
- John 4:14 (NIV)
- Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
The information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Past outcomes are not indicative of future results. You should consult with your financial advisor, tax professional, and/or legal counsel before implementing any strategy discussed. Advisory services are offered through Kerux, LLC, a registered investment adviser.
