In this episode, Krisan and David John Marotta present a biblical perspective on money, arguing that it all belongs to God and that we are called to be stewards, not owners. Drawing from Scripture and their extensive experience in financial management, they blend theological insights with practical advice to guide listeners in using money wisely for God’s purposes. They challenge the reluctance to discuss money openly and emphasize intentionally aligning financial decisions with faith.
In this week’s episode, we explore:
* The biblical principle of stewardship, showing how everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him.
* How to use financial resources to fulfill the responsibilities and calling God gives us.
* The importance of work to meet those responsibilities, with practical encouragement for starting your career.
* Common pitfalls like overspending or over-giving, and how to avoid them through balanced planning.
* Practical strategies for spending, earning, and saving/investing, including budgeting tips and the power of compound interest.
* The virtues of justice, mercy, and faithfulness in handling money contrasted with the sins of pride, greed, and fear.
Listeners will gain a clear framework for integrating faith and finances, moving beyond taboo to purposeful stewardship. You’ll walk away with actionable steps—like setting up a budget that reflects your values or starting a Roth IRA—alongside a renewed understanding of how generosity and gratitude can transform your relationship with money. Whether you’re a recent graduate or seasoned professional, this episode offers wisdom to navigate wealth with confidence and align your financial life with God’s calling.
Krisan and David John Marotta gave this seminar to University of Virginia college students at the
Center for Christian Study on February 6, 2018. The original title was Wealth Wisdom: A Biblical Perspective on Stewarding Money.
Seminar Handout
A Biblical Perspective on Money Key Points
Money belongs to God. We are His stewards.
* God claims ownership of all wealth, as Deuteronomy 8:17-18 reminds us: “It is He who gives you the power to get wealth.”
* We act as stewards, managing God’s property like a servant reflects a master’s wishes, not as owners drawing lines between “mine” and “His.”
* Temptation creeps in after college when we earn money and think, “I worked for this—it’s mine,” forgetting God provides the ability and opportunity.
* Stewards choose between faithful management and embezzlement—using money for God’s goals or selfishly taking it for ourselves.
God gives us money to fulfill His calling
* God entrusts us with money to support the path He sets, such as providing for basic needs, a spouse, children, or elderly parents.
* Money serves a purpose beyond happiness or comfort—it equips us to fulfill our God-given duties.
* We receive varying amounts, big or small, but each portion aligns with the responsibilities God assigns us.
Work is a biblical mandate
* Paul urges Christians in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 to “work with your hands” to live quietly, behave properly, and avoid dependency.
