by Henry Netherland, founder of Faithful Financial LLC. 

Before starting my own Christian Financial Services firm, I spent hours thinking about how to best serve my clients, the type of clients I enjoyed working with most, and the  different ways I could deliver financial advice. The topic was real to me because, like most financial advisors, I entered the field to help people. I hadn’t considered how my faith might, or even should, impact my career. I simply wanted to be a good financial advisor.

God went to work in my heart shortly after I began working as a financial advisor. I noticed there were many advisors who, like me, were Christians, but some were incorporating their faith into their practice. I studied them and how they conducted business so that I could integrate my Christian values into my practice. I implemented my findings as much as possible into every client conversation. I prayed for and with my clients. I began to see the difference between a worldly advisor and an advisor who was a Christian.

The more I transitioned my business, the more I felt like something was missing. As I continued my research and prayed for direction, I found that the conversion from financial advisor to financial advisor who was a Christian had not changed the underlying, foundational practices of my business. I had draped a layer of faith and religion over an inherently worldly way of approaching financial issues. Most of what the Bible teaches about money simply didn’t align well with the work I was doing.

A Course Correction

Matthew 6 changed the course of my life and career. Jesus, while speaking on issues like giving to the needy, how to pray and fast, and how to handle anxiety and money, clearly indicated that the manner in which we do things matters. Our motivations and purpose’s matter. If we seek worldly gain, the reward is worldly.

Jesus tells us “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) My focus had not been on eternity planning.

Earlier in the chapter, Jesus says “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.“ (Matthew 6:33) What would it look like to serve God with money?

Still earlier in the same chapter, Jesus tells us “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) How could I continue doing business the same way in light of Jesus’ teaching?

Aligning Finances to Faith

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 indicates that we are expected to manage the  resources available to us in ways that please God. Doing nothing was not an option.

The Holy Spirit directed me toward concepts and training for Christian financial advisors. As God opened my eyes to the truth about the differences between being a financial advisor who is a Christian and a Christian financial advisor, I realized I needed to change my approach.

We are warned about the love of money and asked in Matthew 8:36 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?” Why had my focus been solely on helping people store treasure on earth instead of in heaven like Jesus commanded? There is a real risk of serving money over God if that is our main objective.

As a Christian financial advisor, my focus shifted to applying biblical principles and helping clients align finances to faith. While the tools for implementing financial decisions might not change, the way they are implemented certainly would. The Bible is the authority on all matters, including those pertaining to financial wisdom and planning.

Financial planning is an important part of how we honor God. If you don’t know God, I encourage you to put your faith in Jesus, repent of your sins, and firmly establish a rock-solid eternity plan. The rest of your financial planning will be more meaningful as you renew your mind. If you would like additional information about becoming a Christian or aligning finances to faith reach out to us at info@faithfulfinancialservices.com. 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, and pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)