Is a Christian Financial Adviser the same as an adviser who is a Christian? Although both may demonstrate honesty, trustworthiness, compassion, integrity, and industry knowledge, there is a key distinction: a Christian Financial Advisor deliberately integrates biblical principles into their professional approach, whereas an adviser who is a Christian may not. The factor that contributes the most to this distinction is how each of them views the world.
A Christian Financial Adviser sees the world through a Biblical Worldview lens, whereas an adviser who is a Christian may not and may even be restricted by their employer’s policies and procedures. For over thirty years, clients have shared with me that THEY have a specific amount of money in this account or another. That statement is derived from a secular worldview. A biblical worldview would derive a statement that says, “God has entrusted me with this much money in this account for my personal benefit, but also to be a good steward of these resources for His kingdom.”
A Christian Financial Advisor’s worldview is rooted in a biblical perspective that God owns it all. Once that perspective is understood and fully committed to, then the clients are liberated from the constraints of limitations and fears. The financial advice offered is driven by scripture, guiding the client to align their approach to personal finances and behavior with it. From studies I have taken, there are 2350 scriptures that provide guidance on how a follower is to believe and act regarding their finances.
The recommendation of an adviser who is a Christian may be rooted in sound financial doctrine. Still, it may not fully align with biblical scripture. Distinctions may appear in views on accumulation and benevolence. A Christian Financial Adviser might ask, “How much is enough?” rather than a secular approach that focuses solely on maximizing wealth or returns. A Christian Financial Advisor focuses on highlighting the unique influence of biblical principles in shaping the conversation with their clients. The second distinction is having a charitable plan, which allows the clients to see the manifestation of their stewardship as it unfolds in Kingdom work. This is a Journey of Generosity that begins with the humble act of being a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to oneself and culminates in creating change through benevolence.
In First Chronicles 29:11-12, scripture says, “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is Your hand to make great and to give strength to all.”
Since God owns it all and has entrusted us with resources and riches, every financial decision we make is through our obedience in stewardship. In Matthew 25, we are told, “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Having a financial plan that demonstrates obedient stewardship allows God to fulfill his scripture through your life.
If you would like to see how your financial plan aligns through a biblical lens, we are here to guide you every step of the way. For over 20 years, we’ve empowered Christians just like you to regain balance and confidence in their financial lives. As a free gift, we are offering each person who sets an appointment with us a subscription to LifeArcPlan™ to get them started.
—Michael Wallin, Certified Financial Planner ™. For more information, please visit whcwealth.com or call 615-236-2220.
