We may know the “right” answers about what matters most—but our calendars and bank statements often tell a more complicated story.

In this episode of our series on wisdom and discernment, Kendra and Kyler ask what the way we use our money and resources reveals about our vision of the good life.

Together, they discuss:

• How culture shapes our definitions of success, comfort, status, and “making it”

• Why looking at where our time and money actually go can reveal what we really value

• Jesus’ warning in the parable of the rich fool that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions

• Why having wealth or enjoying God’s provision is not inherently wrong

• The difference between receiving God’s gifts with gratitude and storing them up for ourselves

• How generosity, hospitality, justice, mission, and enjoyment can all be part of faithful stewardship

• Why wisdom asks more than “Can I afford this?”

• How our spending can cultivate gratitude or entitlement, contentment or dissatisfaction, freedom or dependence

• Why our individual circumstances and temptations matter when making financial decisions

• How comparison can lead us toward either envy or self-righteousness

• Why money is meant to be discussed and discerned in Christian community

The goal isn’t to find a universal dollar amount that separates faithful spending from unfaithful spending. Wisdom asks a deeper question: Who am I becoming through the way I use what God has given me?

Because everything we have is received from God, we’re free to hold it with open hands—enjoying His provision with gratitude, sharing generously, and trusting that the God who has richly provided for us in Christ will continue to care for us.

Mentioned on the Show

Next Step: This week, bring some thoughtfulness to the way you use your money. Before a purchase—or as you look back at recent spending—ask:

• Is this cultivating gratitude or entitlement?

• Contentment or dissatisfaction?

• Freedom or dependence?

• Generosity or self-protection?

• Trust or anxiety?

• Humility or status?

• Who is this choice forming me to become?

Then bring the conversation into community. Money can feel deeply private, but wisdom is meant to be practiced with others. Invite a trusted friend to help you examine what your spending reveals about your heart and to point you back to the abundance you already have in Christ.

Key Scriptures

• Luke 12:13–34

• 1 Timothy 6:17–19

• James 1–2; 5

• Matthew 6:19–34

• Matthew 22:37–40

• 1 Corinthians 4:7

• Colossians 3

• Proverbs 22:7

Christ In You: Conversations on Spiritual Formation is a podcast from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Diego, exploring how the gospel forms us in the everyday rhythms of life.

Kendra Dahl is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Redeemer, and Kyler Wright is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation. Together, they host conversations with pastors and ministry leaders to help believers grow in Christ.

To learn more about Redeemer and find additional resources, visit www.redeemersd.org