Episodios

  • Our Ultimate Treasure: Work as Worship

    Our Ultimate Treasure: Work as Worship
    Mar 18 2026
    Theologian Dorothy Sayers once wrote, “Work is not primarily a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do.” That statement may feel surprising in a culture where work is often viewed as a burden to escape rather than a calling to embrace. Yet Scripture offers a very different vision. From the beginning of the Bible to the end, work is not treated as a necessary evil but as a sacred calling woven into what it means to bear God’s image. When we understand this truth, it transforms how we see our daily responsibilities—whether they happen in an office, a home, a classroom, or a retirement community. Work Was God’s Design From the Beginning Many people assume work began as part of the curse after sin entered the world. But Scripture tells a different story. In Genesis 2:15, before the fall, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden “to work it and keep it.” Work was not punishment—it was purpose. God commissioned humanity to cultivate creation, steward its resources, and reflect His creativity and order. Work was a gift before it became difficult. And according to Scripture, it will be a gift again in the new creation. Revelation 22:5 describes God’s people reigning with Christ—not in idleness, but in joyful responsibility and stewardship. Work Reflects the Image of God Our faith is not limited to explicitly spiritual activities. It also includes the everyday tasks we carry out with excellence, integrity, and love. A remarkable example appears in Exodus 31. When God instructed Israel to build the tabernacle, He filled a man named Bezalel with the Spirit of God—granting him skill, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship to design and construct the dwelling place of God’s presence. Think about that. The first person in Scripture explicitly described as being filled with the Spirit was not a prophet or a king. It was a craftsman. Bezalel’s calling reminds us that work done for God’s glory—whether building, designing, teaching, or managing—is an act of worship. There Are No Ordinary Jobs in God’s Kingdom This truth reshapes how we think about our own work. Whether you’re grading papers late into the night, running spreadsheets in an office, raising young children at home, or serving at a food pantry during retirement, your work reflects God’s character and care for the world. The apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:23–24: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.” In God’s Kingdom, there are no ordinary jobs—only ordinary moments given extraordinary meaning when offered to Christ. Why Work Often Feels Frustrating Of course, work doesn’t always feel joyful. After sin entered the world, work itself was not removed; it simply became more difficult. In Genesis 3, God describes how thorns and thistles would frustrate human labor, symbolizing inefficiency, fatigue, and resistance. We still work, but now we work with friction. Yet the gospel does not erase work. It redeems it. Through Christ, our labor becomes part of God’s restoration project—blessing others, advancing good, and bringing glory to Him. Work Shapes Who We Become One of the most countercultural truths in Scripture is that work is not primarily about income. It’s about formation. Work shapes us into people who reflect Christ. It teaches diligence, humility, perseverance, love for our neighbor, and dependence on the Spirit. That’s why work matters before retirement—and after it. While the nature of our work may change over time, the calling to steward our lives for God’s purposes never disappears. The Kingdom of God has no unemployment line. It has stewards, servants, and image-bearers. Your Everyday Work Is Kingdom Work Here’s the encouraging truth: when we offer our work to God, He delights in it. The spreadsheets. The dishes. The carpentry. The caregiving. The counseling. The volunteering. None of it is wasted when it is done unto the Lord. Your everyday work is Kingdom work. So perhaps the invitation today is simple: don’t just go to work—worship at work. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you serve not for applause or promotion, but for the pleasure of the King. Because ultimately, what matters most is not the job you have, but the God you serve through it. Go Deeper: Our Ultimate Treasure This vision of work as worship is something we explore more deeply in my devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. The devotional helps readers see every part of life—including work, money, and daily responsibilities—through the lens of Scripture and God’s greater purposes. You can order an individual copy or place a bulk order for your church or small group at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’ve been struggling with credit card payments for a couple of years. After hearing you mention Christian Credit Counselors, I called them, and they reduced my ...
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    25 m
  • Corporate Charitable Gift Matching with Will Lofland

    Corporate Charitable Gift Matching with Will Lofland
    Mar 17 2026
    What if your generosity could be multiplied—without giving another dollar? Corporate matching gift programs distribute billions of dollars every year, helping nonprofits expand their impact. Yet many believers are surprised to learn that some faith-based ministries don’t qualify for these funds. Understanding how these programs work—and why fairness in charitable giving policies matters—can help unlock greater Kingdom impact. Today on Faith & Finance, we spoke with Will Lofland, Managing Director of Faith-Based Investing at GuideStone Funds, about how these programs function and why advocacy in this area matters for ministries and donors alike. Billions in Potential Generosity Corporate matching programs are more common than many people realize. According to Lofland, about 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer charitable gift-matching programs, which distribute roughly $2.86 billion each year. These programs allow companies to match the donations their employees make to qualified nonprofit organizations—often doubling the impact of a gift. But there’s another surprising statistic: between $4 and $7 billion in potential matching funds go unclaimed annually. In many cases, employees simply don’t know the benefit exists or forget to submit the required matching forms. When these programs are used properly, they create an incredible opportunity for generosity to multiply. When Faith-Based Ministries Are Excluded Unfortunately, not every nonprofit qualifies for these corporate matching programs. Many companies have policies that unintentionally—or sometimes explicitly—exclude religious organizations. These restrictions can appear in several forms. Some programs prohibit gifts that support “religious purposes” or “religious activities.” Others maintain internal lists of organizations that do not qualify. The result is that many churches and Christian ministries—organizations that provide food assistance, disaster relief, counseling, education, and global missions—can be excluded from receiving matching funds. This limits believers' ability to maximize the impact of their generosity when supporting ministries they care deeply about. Engaging Companies with Grace and Clarity This is where thoughtful engagement becomes important. GuideStone Funds invests in many companies through its portfolios, and that position allows their team to communicate directly with corporate leadership. Lofland explained that their approach begins with respect and understanding. Rather than assuming bad intentions, they approach these conversations with a constructive spirit—seeking to understand the goals of the company’s charitable programs and highlighting the unintended consequences of certain restrictions. Often, companies simply haven’t considered how their policies affect religious organizations. One recent example shows how effective this kind of engagement can be. GuideStone met with leadership at Boeing, an aerospace company that previously restricted matching gifts for religious purposes. After discussions with the company, Boeing reviewed its policy and ultimately expanded its matching program to include religious organizations. That change opened the door for access to hundreds of millions of dollars in potential matching funds each year. It’s a powerful example of how thoughtful dialogue can help remove barriers and create new opportunities for generosity. Expanding Kingdom Impact At the heart of this effort is a simple goal: strengthening the work of churches and ministries around the world. Matching programs allow believers working in every profession—engineering, finance, healthcare, education, and more—to extend the impact of their generosity. Even if their vocation isn’t ministry, these programs allow them to invest more deeply in the ministries they support. When companies remove unnecessary restrictions, it helps unlock a significant wave of generosity that can support gospel-centered work in communities across the country and around the world. If your employer offers a charitable matching program, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check whether your gifts qualify for a match. You may be able to double—or even triple—the impact of your giving with just a simple form. And when companies ensure that faith-based ministries are treated fairly alongside other nonprofits, it creates a more equitable system that allows generosity to flow freely toward the causes employees care about most. To learn more about GuideStone’s approach to investing guided by biblical values, visit: GuidestoneFunds.com/Faith. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are both around 59–60. She’s retired and has about $450,000 in her TSP that we haven’t touched. I’m retired from the state but now working a federal job with a smaller TSP. Since she’s now eligible to draw from hers, we’re wondering what the best option is—taking a lump sum and paying the...
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    25 m
  • What Money Can’t Do—and What It Can with Dr. Russell James III

    What Money Can’t Do—and What It Can with Dr. Russell James III
    Mar 16 2026
    Money has a remarkable ability to shape our emotions. In a single week, it can make us anxious, fearful, generous, or joyful. But Scripture reminds us that money—despite the power we often assign to it—cannot ultimately provide what we most want. On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, we spoke with Dr. Russell James III, the CH Foundation Chair of Personal Financial Planning and Charitable Giving at Texas Tech University and author of A Christian’s Guide to Joyful Wealth Management. He helped us explore a foundational question: If money cannot give us security or control, what is it actually for? The One Thing Money Can’t Do Dr. James begins where the Apostle Paul begins—in 1 Timothy 6. Paul reminds believers of a simple but transformative reality: we cannot take wealth with us when we die. “Money is temporary,” Dr. James explained. “Eventually, every one of us will lose it. The only real question is how.” That truth reframes everything about financial decision-making. If wealth cannot follow us beyond this life, then we are not owners in the ultimate sense—we are stewards. And that reality isn’t merely a theological concept; it’s also biological. Eventually, every dollar we possess will pass to someone else. Thinking about money this way changes the conversation. Instead of asking, “How can I keep this?” we begin asking, “How should I use what God has entrusted to me while I have it?” The Four Ways People Manage Wealth According to Dr. James, Scripture points to four common approaches to handling wealth: 1. Binge Spending wealth recklessly in pursuit of pleasure—like Solomon’s experiments in Ecclesiastes or the prodigal son in Luke 15. 2. Bury Hoarding wealth, protecting it carefully but never truly using it. 3. Toil Working relentlessly to accumulate more and more wealth, even when basic needs are already met. 4. Enjoy Receiving God’s provision with gratitude and using it for good. The first three approaches share a common problem: they ultimately lead to the same outcome—dying with unused or misused wealth. The fourth option—enjoyment—points us toward something better. The Hidden Role of Fear in Our Finances One of the most powerful forces shaping financial behavior is fear. Dr. James noted that many stewardship conversations focus on avoiding overspending. While that’s important, Jesus often warned about the opposite problem—hoarding wealth out of fear. In both the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) and the Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11–27), the servant who buried what he was given offered the same explanation: “I was afraid.” Fear narrows our focus to worst-case scenarios. It tempts us to seek control through accumulation rather than trusting God as our provider. And yet Scripture reminds us that wealth cannot offer the control we hope for. It is always uncertain and ultimately temporary. The Biblical Vision of Enjoyment One of the most surprising teachings in Scripture is that God intends us to enjoy what He provides. In 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul writes that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” But biblical enjoyment is not indulgence. Dr. James explained that true enjoyment comes when we put resources to work for good purposes. In the very next verse, Paul describes what that looks like: “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” —1 Timothy 6:18 In other words, enjoyment is found not in self-indulgence but in participating in God’s purposes. The Power of Generosity Generosity plays a central role in joyful stewardship. When believers share resources within the community of faith, it strengthens relationships, builds trust, and points others toward God’s goodness. Dr. James highlighted an interesting biblical distinction between two types of giving: Almsgiving—helping those in need, which Jesus instructs should be done privately (Matthew 6:3–4).Community sharing—supporting the fellowship of believers and ministry, which the New Testament often celebrates publicly (2 Corinthians 8–9). Understanding these distinctions helps believers see how generosity can both honor humility and inspire others. A Legacy That Lasts When people think about legacy, they often think about money passed to heirs. But Scripture points to something deeper. Financial wealth is uncertain. It can disappear through market shifts, poor decisions, or changing circumstances. But good works endure. Paul describes generosity as “storing up treasure…as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Timothy 6:19). The example of a life lived in faithfulness can shape generations far more powerfully than any financial inheritance. Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 6:19 calls believers to “take hold of the life that is truly life.” According to Dr. James, joyful stewardship allows us to do exactly that. When we release fear and trust God’s provision: Gratitude replaces anxietyGenerosity ...
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    25 m
  • How Financial Success Can Lead to Spiritual Failure with John Rinehart

    How Financial Success Can Lead to Spiritual Failure with John Rinehart
    Mar 13 2026
    “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” — Matthew 16:26 Those words from Jesus confront one of the deepest questions we can ask about money and success. Jesus spoke them to His disciples as He taught about the cost of following Him. In that moment, He contrasted two pursuits: gaining the world and preserving the soul. The question still echoes today: Is there a spiritual cost to financial success? On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, John Rinehart, founder and CEO of Gospel Patrons, joined the show to explore that very question and what Scripture teaches about wealth, work, and spiritual health. The Bible’s Honest Warnings About Wealth Financial success itself is not condemned in Scripture. In fact, the Bible includes many faithful believers who possessed great wealth—Abraham, Job, and Lydia among them. Yet Scripture also carries repeated warnings about the spiritual dangers that prosperity can create. As John explained on the show, wealth can be both a blessing and a temptation. The danger arises when our hearts begin to trust money instead of God. Jesus addressed this tension directly in Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.” The issue is not the possession of wealth but the mastery of wealth over the human heart. And in a culture that celebrates success, possessions, and financial independence, those warnings are easy to overlook. The Cycle of Success That Can Lead to Spiritual Failure John describes a pattern many people fall into—a cycle of success that can quietly lead to spiritual drift. It often begins with a view of work that centers on earning money so we can eventually rest. We work hard, pursue success, and over time, our effort produces prosperity. Hard work and prosperity themselves are not wrong. In fact, Scripture often affirms diligence. But prosperity introduces a new danger. As John noted during the conversation, success can gradually lead us to forget the God who provided it in the first place. When we begin to see wealth as the product of our own ability rather than God’s provision, our dependence on Him begins to fade. Before long, success that once felt like a blessing can become a spiritual trap. The Warning of the Rich Fool Jesus illustrates this danger in the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:16–21. In the story, a farmer experiences an abundant harvest. Faced with overflowing crops, he decides to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store them all. From a purely financial perspective, his plan sounds wise. But Jesus reveals the deeper problem. The man begins speaking to himself as though his wealth guarantees security and ease: “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” — Luke 12:19 Then comes the shocking turn. “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you.’” — Luke 12:20 The problem wasn’t the harvest—it was forgetting God. This story hits close to home in a culture that often equates success with building bigger barns. The Danger of Forgetting the Source This warning appears long before Jesus told that parable. As Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses cautioned them about the spiritual risks that accompany prosperity. In Deuteronomy 8:17–18, he warned: “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” John highlighted this verse as a key reminder: even the ability to create wealth is a gift from God. When we forget that truth, wealth easily shifts from blessing to idol. When Wealth Chokes Out Spiritual Fruit Jesus also warned that wealth can quietly interfere with spiritual growth. In the Parable of the Sower, He describes seeds that begin growing but are eventually overwhelmed by thorns. He explains the meaning in Mark 4:19: “The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” John also noted how startling that statement is. The Word of God is powerful, yet Jesus says the deceitfulness of riches can still choke its fruitfulness in a person’s life. Wealth promises security and satisfaction—but it often delivers anxiety and distraction instead. God’s Better Rhythm for Life Thankfully, Scripture offers a healthier path. John explained that instead of structuring life around work and wealth, God invites us into a different rhythm—one that begins with rest. The Sabbath command in Exodus 20:8–10 reminds us that our lives are not sustained by constant productivity. Rest re-centers our hearts. It draws our attention back to God through worship, Scripture, and time with the community of faith. From that place of rest, work becomes something different. Instead of merely trading...
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    25 m
  • Our Ultimate Treasure: A Thankful Approach to Taxes

    Our Ultimate Treasure: A Thankful Approach to Taxes
    Mar 12 2026
    It’s one thing to thank God before a meal. It’s another thing entirely to thank Him before sending off a tax payment. For many Christians, taxes are rarely associated with gratitude. They often feel like a burden—an interruption to our financial plans or resources we’d rather use elsewhere. But Scripture invites us to view taxes through a very different lens. Instead of seeing them merely as a loss, believers can see them as a reminder of God’s provision and His sovereignty, and as an opportunity to live with integrity. Why Taxes Stir Frustration Few topics unite people quite like a shared dislike of paying taxes. It’s easy to think, if I could just keep that money, I could do something better with it. And when government policies conflict with our convictions—or headlines highlight waste or corruption—resentment can grow even stronger. Yet Scripture calls us to approach the issue differently. Instead of responding with frustration alone, the Bible encourages gratitude, humility, and trust in God’s sovereign rule. In Matthew 22:17, the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a political question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Jesus responded by asking for a coin and pointing to the image stamped on it. His reply has echoed through history: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21) This answer was remarkable. Taxes under Rome were deeply unpopular. Rome was an occupying force, and tax revenue helped sustain a system that oppressed God’s people. Yet Jesus did not call for revolt or avoidance. Instead, He acknowledged that paying taxes fits within God’s ordering of society while making it clear that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. Coins may bear Caesar’s image, but our lives bear God’s image—and they belong fully to Him. Trusting God’s Sovereignty The apostle Paul reinforced this principle in Romans 13:6–7, writing during the reign of Nero—hardly a model of righteous leadership: “Because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God… Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Notice what Paul does not say. He doesn’t ground obedience in the goodness of government. Instead, he points to the sovereignty of God. Paying taxes, then, is not primarily an expression of confidence in a human system. It is a recognition that God ultimately rules over nations, leaders, and history itself. Taxes Reveal God’s Provision There is another perspective on taxes that believers often overlook. Before you pay a single dollar in taxes, something has already happened: God has provided. A mentor of mine, Ron Blue, often says around tax time, “Taxes represent God’s provision.” If God had not provided income, there would be no taxes to pay. Think about it. Taxes imply that: Work was available.Income was earned.Needs were met.Daily bread was provided. In other words, taxes—uncomfortable as they may feel—are evidence that God has supplied what we need. Gratitude allows us to see provision before we see loss. Instead of asking only, How much am I paying? We can ask, What does this reveal about God’s faithfulness? Integrity in a Culture of Loopholes This perspective also shapes how Christians respond during tax season. In a world full of shortcuts, loopholes, and justifications, believers are called to something different: integrity. Honesty in financial matters—especially the ones no one else sees—forms Christlike character. Filing accurately, reporting honestly, and paying what is owed becomes an act of discipleship. It’s a quiet but powerful testimony of a life shaped by trust in God rather than self-protection. Turning Taxes into a Spiritual Discipline Finally, paying taxes can even become a spiritual discipline. Each time you write that check or submit that payment, let it prompt you to pray. Pray that God would guide leaders with wisdom, justice, and humility. Pray for policies that protect the vulnerable and promote the common good. Pray for leaders who recognize their need for God’s guidance. You may disagree with those leaders. You may even oppose their policies. But Scripture reminds us they are still people made in God’s image—people who need God’s help just like the rest of us. In a culture eager to complain, believers have the opportunity to respond differently. When tax season arrives: Remember the Owner: God owns everything, including the income from which taxes are paid (Psalm 24:1).Recognize the Provider: Taxes remind us that God has provided resources in the first place.Respond with Integrity: Honesty reflects a heart that seeks to honor Christ.Reframe with Gratitude: Thank God for His provision rather than focusing only on what is owed.Respond with Prayer: Let taxes prompt intercession for leaders and systems of ...
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    25 m
  • One More: The Power of Personal Financial Discipleship with Brian Holtz

    One More: The Power of Personal Financial Discipleship with Brian Holtz
    Mar 11 2026
    Discipleship often sounds like something that requires a large program, a curriculum, or a major church initiative. But what if it’s far simpler than that? What if discipleship often begins with just one intentional relationship? Sometimes a single faithful conversation—repeated over time—can shape how we follow Christ in every area of life, including our finances. Today, we spoke with Brian Holtz, CEO of Compass Financial Ministry, about a simple discipleship model that has quietly transformed lives for decades. And it all begins with one person investing in another. The Power of One-to-One Discipleship The vision began with Howard Dayton, the founder of Compass. Many people know Howard from his years teaching about biblical stewardship, but at the heart of his ministry has always been personal discipleship. Years ago, Howard made a simple commitment: each year, he would intentionally walk alongside one person. They would read Scripture together, discuss what God was teaching them, and reflect on how those truths applied to their lives. Alongside Scripture, they would read a few formative Christian books and meet regularly to talk through what they were learning. But there was one small request. At the end of the year, the person being discipled would commit to doing the same thing with someone else. That simple multiplication strategy became known as the “One More” program—disciple one person each year and invite them to do the same. Books That Shape the Heart Over time, the reading list has evolved, but the goal has always remained the same: to encourage deep spiritual formation. Some of the books commonly used in the process include: Humility by Andrew MurrayTrusting God by Jerry BridgesFinancial Discipleship by Peter BriscoeThe Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman Each of these works invites believers to reflect deeply on their relationship with God. But as Brian Holtz explained, the real power isn’t in the book list. It’s in the relationship. The conversations that happen as we discuss what God is teaching—how Scripture shapes decisions, priorities, and daily life—become the true treasure of the process. A Life-Shaping Year For Brian, this model of discipleship became deeply personal. Nearly a decade ago, his family had just relocated across state lines for work. Everything felt unsettled—his job, church, and even family rhythms. Nothing seemed to be falling into place. Then a friend invited him into this simple discipleship process: reading Scripture and a few books together over the course of a year. What began as a small commitment ended up transforming nearly every area of his life. His view of money changed. His relationship with the Lord deepened. His marriage and parenting were shaped in new ways. Eventually, that same relationship even influenced his career, leading him to join Compass Financial Ministry itself. What started as one faithful investment became a turning point in Brian’s life—and he has since walked many others through the same journey. Where Discipleship Begins For many believers, the idea of discipling someone else can feel intimidating. We imagine complicated programs or advanced theological training. But Brian offers a far simpler starting point. Don’t read books alone anymore. Invite someone to read with you—whether it’s Scripture, a devotional, or a Christian book. Meet regularly, talk about what you’re learning, and discuss how those truths apply to your life. That’s it. One conversation at a time. For those who want to follow the same approach used by Howard Dayton, Compass offers free study guides through its “One More” initiative, designed to help people disciple one person each year. One Faithful Relationship at a Time Discipleship rarely begins with a platform or a program. More often, it starts with a single faithful relationship—two people opening Scripture together, asking honest questions, and encouraging one another to follow Christ more closely. And when that investment is repeated again and again, the impact multiplies in ways we may never fully see. One conversation. One relationship. One more life shaped for eternity. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My 19-year-old daughter still lives at home, and we want to help her learn good money habits before she moves out. Should we charge her rent and save it for her? What percentage makes sense, where should we keep it, and is it wise for her to get a credit card to start building credit?We lived in a home for 20 years, then turned it into a rental five years ago. It hasn’t been rented for about a year due to renovations. If we sell now, can we avoid capital gains taxes, and how should we handle tithing from the sale in the most tax-efficient way?My daughter is listed on my bank accounts, but her struggling business could lead to bankruptcy. Could that put my money at risk, and should I remove her from the accounts to protect it? Resources...
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    25 m
  • Treasure that Lasts

    Treasure that Lasts
    Mar 10 2026
    “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21 Long before Scripture speaks about budgets, investments, or generosity, it asks a deeper question: What do we truly value? Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21 aren’t merely financial advice. They reveal a profound spiritual reality. Our treasures—what we prioritize, pursue, and protect—reveal the direction of our hearts. Understanding this truth reshapes the way we think about money, wealth, and ultimately, life itself. Everyone Is Chasing a Treasure Step into any office, business, or marketplace, and you’ll see it quickly: everyone is pursuing something. For some, the pursuit is wealth. For others, it’s freedom, comfort, reputation, or security. When you peel it back, treasure shows up in the things we sacrifice for, dream about, and worry over. Money often sits at the center of this pursuit because it seems to promise everything we desire. If we have enough, we imagine we’ll finally feel secure, prepared, and in control. But there’s a paradox. The more we accumulate, the more we fear losing it. The more we protect it, the more anxious we become. What once promised freedom slowly begins to feel like slavery. The problem isn’t that money is bad. Scripture never teaches that. Money is simply a tool. The problem is that our hearts quietly ask money to do what only God can do: save us, secure us, and satisfy us. That’s why Jesus spoke about treasure so often. Not because He opposed wealth, but because wealth competes for what belongs to God alone—our trust. Generosity Reveals the Heart Many people assume the solution to the love of money is simply to give more. And generosity is certainly celebrated throughout Scripture. Giving frees us to participate in God’s work and bless others. But Jesus never treated giving like a formula. Instead, He treated it like a diagnosis. In Mark 12:41–44, Jesus watched as wealthy donors placed large gifts into the temple treasury. It must have looked impressive to everyone watching. But His attention turned to a poor widow who quietly dropped in two small coins. To most observers, her gift seemed insignificant. But Jesus saw something different. The wealthy gave from their surplus. The widow gave from trust. Her offering wasn’t about optics or recognition. It was worship. She treasured God more than financial security. When Giving Isn’t Enough Jesus reinforced this idea when He rebuked the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23. They carefully tithed even their smallest herbs—mint, dill, and cumin—yet neglected “the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness.” Their giving was meticulous. But their hearts were misplaced. If the act of giving alone could break the love of money, the Pharisees would have been the freest people in Israel. But they weren’t. True freedom doesn’t come from giving more. It comes from loving Christ most. The Treasure Worth Everything Jesus tells another story in Matthew 13:44 about a man who discovers a treasure hidden in a field. When he realizes what he has found, he joyfully sells everything he owns to buy the field. Notice what’s remarkable about this story: the man isn’t grieving his loss. He’s thrilled. Why? Because he finally sees clearly what is truly valuable. He isn’t losing—he’s gaining. That’s what happens when Christ becomes our treasure. Everything else falls into its proper place. Wealth becomes a tool instead of a master. Enjoyment becomes gratitude rather than entitlement. Generosity flows from joy instead of guilt. Stewardship becomes participation in God’s work instead of anxiety about our own future. The Treasure That Came Looking for Us But the story of treasure doesn’t end there. While humanity was searching for treasure, the greatest treasure came searching for us. Jesus didn’t simply teach about treasure—He became the treasure who gave everything to redeem us. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Christ endured the cross “for the joy that was set before him.” That joy was redeeming us. The gospel isn’t ultimately a call to give up treasure. It’s an invitation to receive a greater one. The Question That Matters Most The real question isn’t whether you treasure something. You do. The question is who. Earthly treasures always demand protection. Christ alone protects us. And when Christ becomes our treasure, we gain something the world can never provide: a confidence no market can shake and a wealth no thief can steal. So today, pause and ask yourself the question Jesus raised long ago: Where is your treasure? Because wherever it is, that’s where your heart will be also. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I started a construction business about a year and a half ago, and it’s growing. How can I pursue growth faithfully without crossing the line from building wealth to pursuing greed?I’m overwhelmed by high-interest loans and paying $1,200–$1,500 every two ...
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    25 m
  • Top Credit Report Myths with Neile Simon

    Top Credit Report Myths with Neile Simon
    Mar 9 2026
    What do Bigfoot and credit reports have in common? They’re both surrounded by myths. While we may never settle the question of an eight-foot-tall creature wandering the woods, we can clear up the confusion around credit reports. On this episode of Faith & Finance, Neile Simon, a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors, stops by to clear up some of the most common misconceptions about credit reports and credit scores. Understanding how credit really works can help you avoid costly mistakes and make wiser financial decisions. Myth #1: Paying Off Debt Instantly Fixes Your Credit Paying down debt is always a good step—but it doesn’t instantly produce a perfect credit score. A credit score reflects your history of borrowing and repayment. Lenders use it as a snapshot of how responsibly you’ve managed credit over time. That means improvement takes patience. The most important habit is simple: consistently pay your bills on time. Over time, that steady pattern will strengthen your credit profile. And beware of anyone claiming they can “fix your credit overnight.” Building good credit always takes time. Myth #2: Credit Counseling Ruins Your Credit Score Many people fear that seeking help will damage their credit—but that’s not true. Participating in a credit counseling program is considered a neutral mark on your credit report. What can affect your score is closing accounts, not the counseling itself. In fact, nonprofit credit counseling agencies often help people regain control of their finances through structured debt management plans. If you seek help, make sure the organization is accredited and nonprofit. That’s why Christian Credit Counselors is the only organization we recommend for credit counseling and debt management. Myth #3: Canceling Credit Cards Boosts Your Score Closing credit cards may seem responsible, but it can actually lower your credit score. Why? Because it reduces your available credit, which increases your credit utilization ratio—a key factor in credit scoring. If you have credit cards with zero balances and no annual fees, keeping them open can actually help your score. If you must close accounts, do it gradually—perhaps one every six months—to minimize the impact. Myth #4: Too Many Inquiries Hurt Your Score This myth was once more accurate than it is today. Credit bureaus now recognize that consumers shop for loans. If you’re applying for a mortgage or car loan, multiple inquiries within a short window—typically about 45 days—are counted as a single inquiry. That means you can compare offers without damaging your credit score. And when it comes to checking your own credit report, that’s considered a soft inquiry, which does not affect your score at all. In fact, it’s wise to check your credit regularly to monitor for fraud or mistakes. Myth #5: You Don’t Need to Check Your Credit If You Pay Bills on Time Even responsible borrowers should check their credit reports. Studies suggest that a large percentage of credit reports contain errors. Reviewing your report once or twice a year allows you to catch mistakes or fraudulent activity early. You can obtain free reports from all three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Correcting errors can take time—sometimes up to 90 days—so staying proactive is important. Myth #6: All Credit Reports Are the Same There are three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each may contain slightly different information because creditors don’t always report to all three bureaus, and updates may occur at different times. Different lenders may also use different scoring models depending on the type of loan—auto, mortgage, or credit card. For the most complete picture, it’s wise to review all three reports. Myth #7: Divorce Automatically Removes Joint Debt Divorce agreements may divide debts between spouses—but they don’t change the original credit contract. If your name remains on a joint account, you’re still legally responsible for the debt. If the other person misses payments, your credit score can suffer too. That’s why it’s important to close joint accounts or refinance debts into one person’s name whenever possible. Myth #8: All Negative Marks Disappear After Seven Years Some negative items disappear after seven years—but not all. For example: Chapter 13 bankruptcy: up to 7 yearsChapter 7 bankruptcy: up to 10 yearsPositive closed accounts: can remain for 10 years The good news is that positive information usually stays longer than negative information, helping your score recover over time. Myth #9: You Can Pay Someone to “Fix” Your Credit Many companies promise fast credit repair—but most simply send dispute letters to creditors. If the information on your credit report is accurate, it cannot be removed. That means many consumers pay fees without seeing real results. The truth is, you can dispute errors yourself for free. Christian Credit ...
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