The 3F Ten Talents

The 3F Ten Talents: 10 Principles to Financial Stewardship 

1 Chronicles 29:12-14

¹² Wealth and honor come from you;
    you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
    to exalt and give strength to all.
¹³ Now, our God, we give you thanks,
    and praise your glorious name.

¹⁴ But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

In our pursuit of financial stability and success, it is essential to align our values and decisions with a Christ-centered approach. By integrating biblical principles into our financial management, we can cultivate a mindset of stewardship and honor God with our resources. In this blog post, we will explore the 3F Ten Talents, a set of guiding principles that can shape our financial decision-making and lead us towards financial freedom and spiritual growth.

1. Seek God First: The foundation of financial stewardship is acknowledging God as the source of all blessings. By regularly reading the Bible, attending church, nurturing fellowships and seeking guidance through prayer, we invite God into our financial journey. Placing Him at the forefront of our lives allows us to align our desires and decisions with His will, ensuring that our financial pursuits are rooted in faith and integrity.
2. Define Your End in Mind: To navigate the complexities of financial management, it is important to define our goals and envision the end result. By setting clear objectives, we can create a roadmap that guides our financial decisions. Whether it’s saving for retirement, purchasing a home, or funding a ministry, having a well-thought-out plan empowers us to make intentional choices that align with our values.
3. Educate Yourself: Did you know that there are over 2300+ verses in the Bible dedicated towards finance and money? We are still learning and reflecting on all of them, but it has set the foundation for much of our modern day understanding of finances. Financial literacy is a powerful skill that empowers us to make informed decisions. By investing time and effort in educating ourselves about personal finance, we can gain the knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of money management. Additionally, surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who prioritize financial stewardship can provide valuable support, guidance, and accountability along the way. 
4. Take Inventory…Make a Budget: As simple as this sounds, very few people take the time to calculate what is coming in and out of their bank accounts. Understanding our financial standing is essential to make sound decisions. Begin by taking inventory of all your income sources and debts. Creating a budget helps us allocate our resources effectively and prioritize our spending. By tracking our expenses and ensuring that our income exceeds our outflows, we can live within our means and avoid falling into debt. And while you are creating that spreadsheet, add a tab that keeps inventory of all your assets. This will keep you motivated and focused on your financial goals. 
5. Live Within Your Means: This one may not be as simple in our heavy consumer and materialistic world. But living within our means is a fundamental principle of financial stewardship. It entails spending less than we earn, avoiding excessive debt, and resisting the temptation of materialism. By embracing contentment and exercising self-control, we can free ourselves from the burdens of financial stress and live a life of financial freedom.
6. Get Out of Debt: According to Experian 2021 data, the average American has about $90,000 in debts to pay back. And some of those debts carry a 20% interest rate…ouch. That is an astounding number and it continues to grow every year. Managing debt is a critical aspect of financial stewardship. Prioritize paying off high-interest debts and establish a plan to eliminate them systematically. By tackling debts strategically, we can reduce financial burdens and allocate more resources towards savings and investments, ultimately leading to a healthier financial future.
7. Save and Invest: Let your money make money for you. Saving and investing are vital components of prudent financial management. Building an emergency fund provides a safety net for unexpected expenses, while long-term investments help grow wealth over time. By adopting a disciplined approach to saving and investing, we can safeguard our financial well-being and create a foundation for future financial stability.
8. Diversify Your Knowledge: Financial stewardship is not a solitary journey. Engage in a community of like-minded Christian individuals who share similar values and goals. You will be surprised how much you learn from other people’s money experience more than a book or blog post can convey. By diversifying your knowledge through discussions, workshops, and seminars, you can expand your understanding of financial management and learn from the experiences of others. Mutual encouragement and shared wisdom will strengthen your financial decision-making abilities.
9. Give Generously: True financial stewardship involves generosity and giving back. By sharing our resources with those in need, we reflect God’s love and compassion. Give generously to charitable causes, support your local church, and invest in initiatives that uplift communities. By viewing our finances as a tool for positive change, wecan make a meaningful impact on the lives of others and experience the joy that comes from giving.
10. Thank the Lord: Gratitude is an integral part of our financial journey. Take time to regularly thank the Lord for His provision, blessings, and the opportunities He has entrusted to you. Expressing gratitude cultivates a heart of contentment and humility, allowing us to recognize that all we have is a gift from God. By acknowledging His faithfulness, we reinforce our commitment to financial stewardship and honor Him in all aspects of our lives.

Integrating the 3F Ten Talents into our financial decision-making processes enables us to pursue financial stability and success while staying true to our Christian values. Remember, the 3F Ten Talents are not a one-time checklist but rather guiding principles that require ongoing commitment and practice. As we align our financial choices with our faith, we embark on a journey that not only leads to financial well-being but also fosters spiritual growth and honors God in every aspect of our lives.

-HC