Let’s be honest—whenever money comes up in church, something shifts in the room. You can almost feel the tension. For so many people, conversations about giving, tithing, or stewardship trigger more than just questions; they trigger emotions, past hurts, even skepticism.

Some people have been burned by churches or leaders who used guilt and manipulation to raise money. Others feel ashamed of their financial struggles and quietly wonder if they belong in these conversations at all. And many simply don’t get why money is even a “church thing” to begin with.

One of the most amazing Scriptures is Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." It's amazing because it speaks to how specific and purpose-oriented God was in forming Jeremiah and giving him life. The same is true for every person God creates.

Growing up, there was one word that I liked using more than any other: why. I’m sure if you asked my parents, I asked them “why” more often than anything else. I’m a naturally very inquisitive person, I love learning new information, and I want to understand things. There was nothing more frustrating to me than being given a set of rules by my parents that I didn’t understand, then when I asked why, I was met with the famous parental one-liner, “Because I said so!” Many of my teenage years were spent brooding over rules I didn’t understand or appreciate.

"Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" That's an excellent question! Be honest. You've probably asked or thought about that question yourself. In your desire to be good and pleased to God, you've wondered, am I doing the right things to ensure my eternal future?

Financial discipleship, being trained and equipped in God's financial principles to live as a good and faithful steward, is a lifelong journey that requires faithfulness and lifelong devotion.

There are many ways you can assess the spiritual health of your church members. Faith, regular church attendance, and engagement in community groups are just a few of the behaviors that reveal the health of a church member. But perhaps the most revealing indicator is one that’s impossible to fake.