Episodios

  • A New Perspective for the New Year With Chad Clark

    A New Perspective for the New Year With Chad Clark
    Jan 2 2026
    It’s only day two of the new year. How are those resolutions holding up?Every January, many of us recommit to eating better, exercising more, or finally getting our finances on track. And yet, most resolutions fade long before winter does. The issue usually isn’t a lack of desire—it’s a lack of accountability and perspective.That’s especially true when it comes to budgeting. Managing money well requires more than good intentions. It requires clarity about why we’re doing it and a system that supports us day by day.To explore that idea, we sat down with Chad Clark, Chief Technology Officer at FaithFi, to discuss what actually helps people follow through on their financial goals.Why Budgeting Often Feels Like a DietChad shared an observation from years of building budgeting tools: many people view a budget the same way they view a diet. They know it’s necessary, but it feels restrictive, temporary, and easy to abandon when life gets busy.The problem usually isn’t the budget itself. It’s the missing “why.”You may know what you want to do—get out of debt, save more, or give generously—but without a compelling reason behind it, the motivation fades quickly. Sustainable habits require more than goals; they need purpose.For believers, Scripture gives us a clear foundation for our financial “why.” Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” God owns it all. We don’t.That truth reshapes budgeting entirely. If God is the owner, then our role is stewardship—managing what He has entrusted to us for His purposes.But Chad introduced an important distinction: how we view God as owner matters just as much as recognizing His ownership.Passive Owner vs. Active OwnerChad used a helpful analogy. Imagine managing a coffee shop for someone else.A passive owner hands you the keys, says, “Good luck,” and disappears. You make every decision on your own, unsure what the owner really wants.An active owner, on the other hand, says, “Call me anytime. I’m here to help.” That owner stays engaged, offers guidance, and shares responsibility.Many of us unknowingly treat God like a passive owner—assuming He’s uninvolved in our day-to-day money decisions. But Scripture paints a different picture. God desires to be an active owner, guiding us through the Holy Spirit as we seek wisdom and direction.That realization lifts a heavy burden. We’re not meant to figure it all out on our own.When we see God as an active owner, budgeting stops being a rigid rulebook and becomes a practical tool for faithful stewardship.A budget isn’t the goal—it’s the means. It helps us manage the King’s resources wisely, align our spending with our values, and make intentional decisions rather than reactive ones.Without this perspective, budgeting can feel overwhelming or pointless. With it, budgeting becomes an act of faithfulness.Why Systems Matter More Than WillpowerAnother key insight Chad shared: budgeting isn’t about finding the perfect method—it’s about having a system.People manage money differently. Some thrive with detailed categories. Others prefer broader guardrails. The important thing is consistency, not complexity.That’s why the FaithFi app was designed with multiple budgeting systems, including a digital version of the classic envelope method many longtime listeners recognize. The goal isn’t to force everyone into the same mold, but to help each person find a system that fits their habits and personality.Over time, that system becomes part of daily life—like your morning cup of coffee. When you’re not checking in with it, you can feel that something’s off.Budgeting Together as a CoupleChad also shared how using a budgeting tool transformed his own marriage. Early on, money was their most significant source of conflict—even though he considered himself “the finance guy.”Once they started using a shared system, the conversation changed. Instead of arguing, they could see the same information, talk openly, and make decisions together. Budgeting became a way to pursue unity, not tension.For couples, shared visibility and accountability can be a powerful gift.If You’ve Tried Before and Given UpIf budgeting feels exhausting—or if you’ve tried and failed before—Chad’s encouragement was simple: don’t give up.Often, past frustration stems from using tools that were too rigid or didn’t align with how you’re wired. With the right system, guidance, and support, budgeting can become sustainable—and even freeing.If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get your finances back on track, remember this: lasting change starts with perspective, not pressure.When you begin with God as the active owner and see budgeting as a tool for stewardship, everything changes. And with the right system in place, you don’t have to walk that road alone.You can learn more or download the FaithFi app at FaithFi.com and take a meaningful step toward...
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    25 m
  • S.M.A.R.T. Financial Resolutions for the New Year

    S.M.A.R.T. Financial Resolutions for the New Year
    Jan 1 2026
    Every January, millions of people set fresh goals: eat healthier, exercise more, or get their finances in better shape. These are good and worthy aims. Yet studies consistently show that most resolutions fade within a few weeks.So if this is the year you want to steward money more wisely—get out of debt, save consistently, or live with greater margin—what actually helps habits last beyond January?The answer isn’t more motivation. It’s a better foundation.Why Good Intentions Aren’t EnoughResolutions often fail for predictable reasons. We set goals that are vague or unrealistic. We don’t connect them to a meaningful “why.” Or we jump in without a system to support change. When life gets busy or discouraging—as it always does—old habits quickly take over.If you’ve ever tried to stick to a spending plan, curb impulse purchases, or make steady progress on debt, you know those difficult moments will come. Lasting change doesn’t happen by hoping harder. It happens when old patterns are replaced with new, intentional habits.The Power of a PlanOne of the most common reasons financial resolutions fail is simple: we try to change without a plan. But you can’t hope your way into better money habits.A spending plan turns good intentions into clear, practical choices. It gives your money direction and helps automate progress so your goals become part of everyday life—not just something you think about when motivation is high.More than that, a plan allows you to steward what God has entrusted to you with purpose and clarity, rather than relying on willpower alone.Accountability Makes Progress StickWe were never meant to pursue growth in isolation. Accountability strengthens resolve and keeps discouragement from becoming defeat.Invite a trusted friend to check in with you regularly. Make it a family goal to reduce spending or save consistently. Celebrate wins together—and when you fall short, don’t quit. Reset and keep going.Stewardship is a journey, not a single moment of success.Willpower Isn’t Enough—You Need God’s StrengthEven with a solid plan, many people still struggle to keep their resolutions. Often, it’s because they’re trying to do it all in their own strength.Lasting change requires spiritual power, not just discipline. Scripture reminds us of this truth:“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” — Hebrews 12:11New habits often feel uncomfortable at first. A budget can feel restrictive. Cutting back can feel frustrating. Saying no to impulse purchases can feel like a sacrifice. But God promises that discipline rooted in faith produces something beautiful over time—peace, stability, and a life aligned with His wisdom.That’s why prayer matters. Ask God to reshape your desires, guide your decisions, and strengthen you when the novelty wears off. If you’re married, pray together, inviting the Lord to give you unity as you pursue shared financial goals.Build S.M.A.R.T. Financial GoalsOnce your plans are grounded in prayer, structure matters. One of the most effective ways to build that structure is by setting S.M.A.R.T. financial goals—goals that are:SpecificDon’t say, “I want to save more.” Say, “I will save $100 each month.” Clear goals are easier to follow.MeasurableTracking progress keeps you motivated. Seeing balances change and debt shrink builds momentum.AchievableDon’t expect to undo years of financial strain in a few weeks. Small wins compound over time—and they prevent discouragement.RealisticDream boldly, but plan honestly. Your goals should reflect your actual income and expenses—not depend on debt to fill the gaps.TimelyEvery goal needs a timeframe. Whether you’re saving, paying down debt, or building margin, set milestones and review your plan regularly to adjust and keep moving forward.A Better Measure of SuccessAs you set financial goals for the new year, remember that every number tells a story—about God’s provision, your heart’s priorities, and the opportunities He gives you to bless others.Success isn’t measured by how much you accumulate, but by how clearly your finances point to Jesus as your ultimate treasure.If you’d like help building habits that last, the FaithFi app is designed to help you create a plan, track progress, and stay encouraged along the way. You can find it in your app store or visit FaithFi.com to learn more.Faithful stewardship isn’t about perfection—it’s about steady, surrendered steps forward.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:A credit card company is suing a family member over about $12,000 in debt. His wages are now being garnished, and he’s worried about losing his home and damaging his credit. His wife ran up the debt without his knowledge. Is there any advice I can give him? Would filing for bankruptcy stop the wage garnishment, or is it...
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    25 m
  • Resolutions that Last with Taylor Standridge

    Resolutions that Last with Taylor Standridge
    Dec 31 2025
    A new year often inspires fresh resolve. We plan more carefully, set ambitious goals, and commit to making this time different. But year after year, many resolutions quietly fade—not because people lack sincerity, but because most change efforts rely on willpower alone.That’s where a deeper, more biblical approach to change comes in.Today on Faith & Finance, I sat down with Taylor Standridge, Production Manager at FaithFi and lead writer of Our Ultimate Treasure and Look at the Sparrows, to explore why so many resolutions fail—and what Scripture reveals about change that truly lasts.Why Willpower Isn’t EnoughTaylor explained that most resolutions fade because they’re built on effort rather than formation.“Willpower is a limited resource,” Taylor said. “We assume that if we just try harder or become more disciplined, we’ll finally become the person we want to be. But once motivation wears off, or life gets stressful, old patterns take over.”According to Taylor, the problem isn’t that people set bad goals—it’s that they try to change actions without addressing identity. Without a deeper shift in what we value and who we believe we are, even the best intentions eventually lose momentum.“We may change what we do for a while,” Taylor said, “but if we don’t change the kind of person we’re becoming, those changes won’t last.”Behavior Change vs. Identity TransformationTaylor drew a helpful distinction between modifying behavior and experiencing true transformation.“Behavior change is about effort—showing up, pushing through, saying no,” he said. “But identity transformation reshapes our desires and motivations. It changes why we choose what we choose.”That’s why FaithFi emphasizes the idea that behavior follows belief. When change focuses only on habits, goals often end once they’re achieved. But when change is rooted in identity, it cultivates a way of life that continues beyond any milestone.“It’s the difference between acting healthy and becoming the kind of person who naturally chooses health,” Taylor explained.How Identity Changes the Way We Set GoalsTo illustrate, Taylor pointed to health resolutions—one of the most common goals people set each year.“A behavior-based goal might be, ‘I want to lose 20 pounds,’” Taylor said. “That’s fine—but once the weight is gone, the motivation often disappears.”An identity-based goal asks a deeper question: What kind of person do I want to become?“When someone says, ‘I want to honor God by caring for the body He’s given me,’ everything changes,” Taylor said. “Now the goal isn’t just a number—it’s a lifestyle.”Identity-driven goals last because they’re rooted in purpose, not pressure.Applying Identity to Financial ResolutionsTaylor said this approach is especially powerful when applied to financial goals.“Let’s say someone wants to pay off $20,000 in debt,” he said. “That’s a great goal—but it becomes far more meaningful when it’s rooted in identity.”Instead of focusing solely on eliminating debt, Taylor encouraged believers to frame their financial goals around stewardship.“When someone says, ‘I want to be a wise steward so I can live with freedom and give generously,’ the goal becomes formative,” he explained. “That identity continues shaping decisions long after the debt is gone.”According to Taylor, identity-based stewardship influences spending, saving, giving, and long-term financial faithfulness—not just one year’s resolution.Scripture Shows That Change Starts in the HeartTaylor pointed out that this inward-first approach isn’t a modern idea—it’s woven throughout Scripture.“God has always been after our hearts, not just our habits,” Taylor said. “Israel had clear commands, but having the law wasn’t enough. Their hearts were unchanged, so their lives were unchanged.”That’s why God promised to give His people a new heart and a new spirit. Taylor noted that Jesus echoed this truth when He taught that a tree is known by its fruit—what we produce flows from who we are.“God isn’t impressed by performance alone,” Taylor said. “He desires people who trust Him and live out of that trust.”The Holy Spirit Makes Lasting Change PossibleTaylor emphasized that true transformation is not self-generated—it’s Spirit-empowered.“External rules can restrain behavior, but they can’t renew desires,” he said. “The new heart God gives doesn’t just help us try harder—it reorders what we love.”Under the new covenant, believers don’t rely on their own strength to change. Instead, the Holy Spirit reshapes desires and produces fruit like self-control, patience, and faithfulness.“These qualities are called the fruit of the Spirit for a reason,” Taylor said. “They grow naturally as we remain rooted in Christ.”As the new year begins, Taylor encouraged believers to start with prayerful reflection rather than ...
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    25 m
  • The Future of FaithFi with Afton Phillips

    The Future of FaithFi with Afton Phillips
    Dec 30 2025
    As we step into a new year, one question guides everything we do: How can we better serve believers who want to manage God’s money, God’s way?At FaithFi, that question has shaped a season of prayer, growth, and fresh vision. Today on Faith & Finance, we sat down with Afton Phillips, our Head of Content, to talk about what God has been doing—and where He’s leading us next.What follows is a look at the remarkable momentum of the past year and the exciting resources coming in the year ahead.A Year of Remarkable Growth and God’s ProvisionThe past year has been one of extraordinary growth for FaithFi—growth that reflects a deep hunger for biblical wisdom applied to everyday financial decisions.Our podcast audience grew by 55,000 listeners, bringing the total to more than 880,000 listeners.Faith & Finance is now heard on over 2,000 radio stations nationwide.Our FaithFi Partner community grew by nearly 600 partners, enabling us to expand our reach and deepen our impact.Behind the scenes, God also provided through new team members, a completely redesigned website filled with original content, and countless stories from listeners whose lives are being shaped by Scripture-centered financial guidance. It’s a powerful reminder that timeless biblical wisdom still meets very real, modern needs.Looking Ahead: What Excites Us MostMomentum invites vision—and the year ahead is full of it.Our Ultimate Treasure DevotionalOne of the most anticipated resources is a new devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure, written to help believers understand financial stewardship through the lens of the gospel. While it officially releases in 2026, anyone who becomes a FaithFi Partner by December 31 will receive it as a thank-you gift.This devotional is designed to anchor financial decisions in eternal perspective—reminding us that money is a tool, not our treasure.A Brand-New FaithFi App ExperienceEarly next year, we’re launching FaithFi 5.0, a completely redesigned app experience that makes practical money management simpler—and spiritual formation deeper.At the heart of the update is a new feature called Financial Rhythms. These rhythms are daily, intentional practices that help align financial habits with God’s truth through Scripture, reflection, and action. The goal isn’t just better budgets, but transformed hearts.Alongside these rhythms, the app will include:Interactive studies and devotionalsAudio versions of select resourcesA growing digital library, including articles from Faithful Steward magazineFaithful Steward Magazine and a Special New EditionFaithFi now releases Faithful Steward magazine quarterly, each issue filled with original, thoughtful content. In the coming year, we’re also preparing our first-ever special edition, focused entirely on women and wealth.This issue will build on findings from the nationwide Women, Wealth, and Faith study and explore how more women are stewarding God’s resources with wisdom, confidence, and faith.Introducing FaithFi Field Guides: A New Resource CategoryOne of the most exciting developments is the launch of an entirely new product category in 2026: FaithFi Field Guides.These workbook-style guides are designed to help believers thoughtfully answer the questions financial advisors hear most often:How much is enough?How do I give intentionally?How do I prepare the next steward?Each Field Guide will combine biblical framing, reflective questions, and practical worksheets—tools that can be used individually, as a couple, in small groups, or alongside a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA). Rather than prescribing one-size-fits-all answers, these guides are meant to help people discern their own next faithful step.Across all our resources, the heart remains the same: to connect biblical truth with real-life application in ways that reduce overwhelm and encourage confidence. By breaking big decisions into manageable steps, we hope to remind believers that they’re not alone—and that God is faithful as they seek to honor Him.Powered by FaithFi PartnersNone of this would be possible without FaithFi Partners. Their generosity fuels every broadcast, devotional, app feature, and study. Partners receive:Premium access to the FaithFi appFaithful Steward magazine, each quarterNew devotionals and books delivered to their doorYou can become a partner by visiting FaithFi.com/Give and making a $35 monthly or $400 annual donation.Right now, every gift is matched dollar-for-dollar through December 31, doubling its impact as we equip even more families to live as faithful stewards.A Prayer for the Year AheadAs we look forward, our prayer is simple: that you would grow in confidence as a steward of God’s resources, resting in His faithfulness and wisdom. The future is bright—not because of innovation alone, but because God continues to guide, provide, and transform lives through His truth.The best is yet to come.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My son recently...
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    25 m
  • A Generosity Game Plan with Kirk Cousins

    A Generosity Game Plan with Kirk Cousins
    Dec 29 2025
    Missionary martyr Jim Elliot famously wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Those words capture a vision of life that values eternal reward over temporary success—and they’re being lived out today in an unexpected place: the NFL.When many people think of professional athletes, generosity may not be the first word that comes to mind. But Kirk Cousins, a 4-time Pro Bowl quarterback, is quietly challenging that assumption. For Cousins, faith isn’t a compartment—it’s the lens through which he approaches football, finances, family, and the future.A Faith Shaped at HomeKirk often points back to his upbringing as a pastor’s kid. His parents modeled two complementary virtues: careful stewardship and open-handed generosity. Budgets mattered. Overspending was avoided. But when it came to helping others, generosity was practiced freely.That example left a lasting impression. As Kirk puts it, generosity was caught, not just taught. Watching his parents hold money loosely prepared him for a future where financial decisions would come with far greater stakes—and far greater temptation.When Kirk entered the NFL, the learning curve was steep. His first signing bonus—a six-figure check—was unlike anything he had ever seen. Unsure how to handle it, he called his dad for advice, only to discover they were navigating unfamiliar territory together.That moment marked the beginning of a stewardship journey that continues today. From the start, Kirk committed to simple but demanding principles: give first, save wisely, and live within bounds. Practicing those habits early helped anchor him when income grew and public pressure mounted.The Tension of a Finite CareerUnlike many professions, professional athletics comes with a built-in expiration date. That reality creates a unique tension: the need to save aggressively while still giving generously. For Kirk, that tension has become an invitation to trust God more deeply.Giving can feel risky when a career is visibly diminishing. Yet Kirk sees those moments as opportunities to shift the pressure off himself and back onto God—to believe that obedience and generosity create space for God to provide and direct what comes next.From Rules to RelationshipOne of Kirk’s most compelling insights is the distinction between religious box-checking and genuine discipleship. It’s possible, he admits, to treat giving like a checklist—do the minimum, meet the requirement, move on. But that’s not the abundant life Jesus describes.Instead, Kirk points to Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure. When the treasure is truly seen as valuable, surrender becomes logical, even joyful. Financial decisions don’t lead the heart; the heart leads the finances. When Christ is the treasure, generosity follows naturally.Scripture doesn’t give a universal percentage or spending rule for believers. That absence is intentional—it drives us to prayer and discernment. Kirk and his wife, Julie, continue to wrestle with what “enough” looks like for their family, recognizing that the answer requires humility, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit's leading.Money, Kirk says, is a tool—a test, a testimony, and a means to an end. Growth without purpose risks becoming a search for control rather than an instrument for Kingdom impact. The question isn’t just how much is being accumulated, but why.Unity in GenerosityOne of the most formative pieces of advice Kirk received early in his career was simple: always give in unity with your wife. That principle has shaped every major giving decision he and Julie make.Disagreement isn’t ignored—it’s prayed through. Spousal unity, Kirk believes, is often a channel through which God provides clarity and protection. Generosity practiced together strengthens both stewardship and marriage.As they consider estate planning and their children’s future, Kirk and Julie intentionally prioritize wisdom over wealth. Their hope is not simply to pass down assets, but to raise children who can steward them faithfully.Their long-term vision includes generous support for their foundation and Kingdom causes, with no desire for wealth to linger aimlessly beyond its intended purpose. In Kirk’s words, the goal is impact—not permanence.One place especially close to Kirk’s heart is Christian education. His experience attending a Christian high school profoundly shaped his faith, and he’s passionate about ensuring future generations have access to a similar formative environment. Supporting schools, teachers, and students has become a meaningful outlet for his generosity.A Different Definition of SuccessKirk Cousins’ story reminds us that success isn’t measured by contracts, trophies, or net worth—but by faithfulness. In a world that applauds accumulation, his life points to something better: surrender, trust, and joyful generosity rooted in Christ.As Ron Blue often says, the question isn’t how much we ...
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    25 m
  • Making the Most of High-Yield Savings

    Making the Most of High-Yield Savings
    Dec 26 2025
    High-yield savings rates have dipped slightly since early spring, but they remain strong enough that choosing the right account right now can still be a wise move. After several quarter-point interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, savings yields have eased—but not disappeared. In fact, many online banks continue to offer returns well above those of most brick-and-mortar institutions.Understanding what’s happening—and how to respond—can help you steward your cash with wisdom and confidence.Why Savings Still Matter in Your Financial PlanSavings and investments play very different roles. A savings account is designed for money that must remain safe, accessible, and dependable—your emergency fund, short-term needs, and dollars you’ll rely on in the next few years.Savings won’t deliver investment-level growth, but the interest they earn still matters. Every bit of growth helps preserve purchasing power and strengthens your financial footing over time.Over the past few years, inflation rose well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. In response, the Fed raised short-term interest rates aggressively. As rates climbed, savings yields—especially at online banks—rose alongside them.Earlier this year, many high-yield savings accounts were paying between 4.75% and 5%, sometimes more. That gave savers an unusual opportunity to earn meaningful interest on cash that would otherwise sit idle.Since then, inflation has cooled, and the Fed has begun cutting rates. Those reductions have nudged savings yields lower, but today’s rates are still historically strong—and far more generous than what traditional banks typically offer.Why Timing Still Works in Your FavorBanks rarely adjust savings rates immediately after a Fed announcement. Often, there’s a window—sometimes several weeks—when higher yields remain available before they gradually drift downward.That lag creates an opportunity. While savings accounts aren’t “locked in” like CDs, moving your money into a competitive high-yield account now allows you to benefit as rates slowly settle. Banks tend to move cautiously, often watching one another before making changes, which gives savers time to act.For many families, knowing their savings are earning a solid return brings peace of mind—whether preparing for an unexpected expense or setting aside resources for opportunities God may bring.Where High-Yield Savings Fit BestA strong savings strategy usually includes three key priorities:1. Your emergency fund. Keep three to six months of expenses in a high-yield savings account. The stronger the yield, the faster that cushion grows—without taking on risk or debt.2. Short- and mid-term goals. Money you’ll need in the next two to five years—such as a down payment, major repair, or planned purchase—should stay protected from market volatility. High-yield savings accounts offer both safety and reasonable earnings.3. Regular comparison. Some traditional banks still pay as little as 0.01%—essentially nothing—while online banks often offer rates dozens of times higher. Comparing what you’re earning with what’s available elsewhere can make a meaningful difference.Exploring Your Options WiselyComparison sites like Bankrate and NerdWallet can help you evaluate current rates while also considering reliability, customer experience, and safety ratings.Money market accounts are another solid option, often offering competitive yields with added flexibility, such as check-writing privileges. Just be mindful of minimum balance requirements.Don’t overlook credit unions either. As not-for-profit institutions, they often return earnings to members through stronger rates and lower fees. One example is AdelFi Christian Banking, a credit union that combines competitive yields with support for Gospel-centered ministry worldwide.You can learn more at FaithFi.com/Banking.Stewardship Is About Faithful ConsistencyChoosing where to place your savings isn’t simply about chasing the highest return. It’s about managing God’s resources with intention and care. Saving consistently—month after month, year after year—is quiet, faithful work.A wise savings vehicle supports that journey, helping your money work a little harder while you walk forward with clarity, confidence, and trust in the Lord’s provision.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m 70 and retired, with a steady monthly income. I need a car costing about $20,000, and I still owe $27,000 on my mortgage. I’d prefer not to carry two payments—should I pay off the mortgage or buy the car, and where should the money come from?I want long-term protection through investing in gold. What’s the best way to do that today?I’m retired and have about $1 million invested with Edward Jones. They’re moving me to a 1.2% annual fee on my entire portfolio instead of transaction-based fees. I agreed, but I now wonder whether the fee is warranted. Is this a wise move?...
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    25 m
  • The Meaning Behind A Christmas Carol With Jerry Bowyer

    The Meaning Behind A Christmas Carol With Jerry Bowyer
    Dec 25 2025
    Every Christmas season, A Christmas Carol returns to our screens and pages as a story of generosity, redemption, and hope. But beneath the familiar narrative, Charles Dickens was also making a powerful argument—one that challenges how society views the poor, children, and human worth itself.In today’s Christmas episode of Faith & Finance, we sat down with Jerry Bowyer, our resident economist and president of Bowyer Research, to explore the deeper economic and theological message Dickens embedded in this classic tale.The Meaning Behind “Surplus Population”One of the most disturbing lines in A Christmas Carol comes from Ebenezer Scrooge, who suggests that the poor might be better off dying to reduce the “surplus population.”Jerry explained that this phrase wasn’t casual or poetic—it was loaded with meaning in Dickens’ day. It reflected the influence of Thomas Malthus, an economist whose ideas shaped early 19th-century thinking. Malthus believed population growth would always outpace food and resources, making widespread poverty inevitable. His conclusion? Society should discourage the poor from having children.Dickens deliberately places this language in the mouth of his villain. Scrooge isn’t just cruel—he’s the embodiment of a philosophy that treats people as economic problems rather than human beings made in God’s image.Jerry noted that Dickens was, in effect, writing A Christmas Carol as a rebuttal to Malthus.By the time Dickens wrote the story, Britain was entering what economists now call the Great Takeoff—a period of unprecedented growth in productivity, trade, and human flourishing. Malthus had predicted catastrophe just before abundance exploded.Dickens highlights this abundance through scenes overflowing with food, trade goods, and celebration. The message is clear: people don’t merely consume resources—they create them.Scarcity, Trauma, and Scrooge’s PastDickens doesn’t excuse Scrooge’s cruelty, but he does explain it. Through the Ghost of Christmas Past, we see a lonely boy shaped by hunger, cold, and deprivation.Jerry pointed out that Scrooge’s scarcity mindset is rooted in trauma. His fear of lack leads him to believe that God—if He exists at all—is stingy. That fear shapes his economics, his relationships, and his resistance to generosity.The turning point comes when Scrooge encounters the Ghost of Christmas Present. When told the spirit has over 1,800 brothers—each representing a Christmas—Scrooge responds, “What a large family to provide for.”It’s another glimpse of his scarcity thinking. And it draws sharp rebuke.Jerry emphasized that Dickens is confronting the idea that more people mean less provision. In contrast, Scripture reveals a God who is generous, creative, and abundant—and who commands humanity to fill the earth, not fear it.No One Is DisposableBy the end of the story, Scrooge is transformed. He becomes generous, relational, and deeply concerned for others—especially children like Tiny Tim.Jerry observed that in a Malthusian worldview, Tiny Tim is expendable. But Dickens—and the gospel—say otherwise. There are no surplus people.Even Jesus Himself, Jerry noted, would have been classified as “surplus population” by such a system—born poor, dependent, and unwanted by the powerful.The language may have changed, but the ideas persist. Whenever society treats children as burdens, the poor as problems, or human life as expendable in the name of efficiency or sustainability, we are hearing echoes of Scrooge before his redemption.Dickens reminds us that economics is always moral—and theology always shapes how we view people.Watching With New EyesAs Jerry put it, A Christmas Carol isn’t just a holiday story. It’s a challenge to scarcity, fear, and dehumanization—and an invitation to generosity rooted in trust.As families watch this story together, it becomes a powerful opportunity to talk with our children about God’s abundance, human dignity, and what it truly means to love our neighbor.Because the real miracle of Christmas isn’t simply changed behavior—it’s a changed heart.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a substantial amount of savings sitting in the bank and want to protect it from inflation. I live primarily on Social Security, have no debt or investments, and need to keep some funds available for emergencies. What’s a wise way to invest the rest?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)The Life of Our Lord: Written for His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849 by Charles DickensA Christmas Carol by Charles DickensThe Sound Mind Investing Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Money From a Biblical Perspective by Austin Pryor with Mark BillerThe Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics by Jerry BowyerWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At ...
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    25 m
  • God's Unexpected Provision with Sharon Epps

    God's Unexpected Provision with Sharon Epps
    Dec 24 2025
    The Bible contains many stories of God’s miraculous provision, but few are as rich and practical as the account of the widow’s oil in 2 Kings 4:1–7. Though only seven verses long, this passage offers profound insight into how God provides for His people—and how He invites them to participate in His provision.On today’s Faith & Finance, Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, joined the program to unpack this story, one she often describes as a clear picture of “God’s part and our part” in stewardship.A Crisis That Drives a Cry for HelpThe story opens with a widow in dire circumstances. Her husband, a member of the company of prophets and a man who feared the Lord, has died, leaving behind unpaid debt. With no means to repay it, she risks losing her two sons to creditors.In desperation, she cries out to the prophet Elisha for help. His response begins with a question that shapes the entire story: “What do you have in your house?”Her answer is simple and heartbreaking—nothing, except a small jar of oil.God’s Part: The Source of ProvisionSharon Epps notes that God’s role in this story is clear. The widow had no way to create oil, multiply it, or secure buyers for it. God alone supplied what was needed.“He was the provider of the oil,” Sharon explains, “and He also provided the buyers so the debt could be paid.” The widow’s increase came entirely from God, leaving no room for self-reliance or pride.This total dependence is part of the lesson. God’s provision is not something we manufacture; it is something we receive.The Widow’s Part: Obedience and ActionWhile God provided the miracle, the widow was not passive. Sharon emphasizes that she played an important role.She:Asked for helpFollowed Elisha’s instructionsGathered empty jarsPoured the oilSold what God multiplied“She didn’t just wait for oil to appear,” Sharon notes. “She participated in the process.”This balance—God’s provision paired with human faithfulness—is a pattern we see throughout Scripture.Empty Jars and Expanding FaithOne of Sharon’s favorite moments in the passage comes in verse three, when Elisha tells the widow to gather empty jars from her neighbors and adds, “Don’t ask for just a few.”The amount of oil multiplied was directly connected to the number of jars collected. When no vessels remained, the oil stopped flowing.Sharon describes the jars as a physical expression of faith. The widow’s willingness to gather more vessels created space for God’s provision.Stewardship Principles We Can Apply TodaySharon notes that God doesn’t work the same miracle in every life, but the same God is always at work. From this story, she highlights several principles that still apply:1. God Is the Provider. Even our ability to work and earn comes from Him. We are always more dependent on God than we realize.2. Faithfulness Is Our Responsibility. God calls us to be faithful with what He places in front of us today—even when it feels ordinary, frustrating, or uncertain.3. Seek Wise Counsel. The widow didn’t isolate herself. She sought help from the prophet, reminding us that God often provides guidance through others.4. Involve Your Family. The widow’s sons helped fill the jars. Including family in financial challenges can strengthen faith and allow everyone to witness God’s provision.5. Don’t Bet on the Future. The widow’s hardship began with unresolved debt. Sharon encourages thoughtful financial planning that considers how decisions today could affect loved ones tomorrow.Are You the Widow—or the Neighbor With Jars?Sharon also challenges listeners to view the story from a different perspective. Sometimes we are not the ones in need—we are the neighbors with empty jars.God may have already placed resources in our hands—assets, opportunities, or skills—that He wants to use to meet someone else’s need.In just seven verses, the story of the widow’s oil paints a powerful picture of stewardship: God provides; we respond in obedience. We rely on Him, seek wise counsel, act faithfully, and remain open to generosity.As Sharon Epps reminds us, recognizing God’s role and our role brings freedom—and invites us to trust Him more fully with everything He has entrusted to us.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My 83-year-old mother just sold property and may net about $250,000 after taxes. I want to keep the money safe, liquid, and available in case she needs long-term care—whether soon or years from now. What’s the best place to hold it?We have a $10,000 Sallie Mae student loan at about 10% interest and aren’t making much progress on the balance. Are there better refinancing options that could lower the rate?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A...
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