Many people have a misunderstanding of what it means to be a steward. It’s not just getting out of debt and sticking to a budget. It’s much more than just writing a tithe check every month.

Living as a steward means surrendering your finances to God and recognizing yourself as a manager, not an owner, of all you have. 

But sometimes, finding that freedom feels like some far-off fairytale that’s not actually attainable in this life. Here are practical steps you can take to seek financial freedom in your life. 

Transfer Ownership

This means your money, time, family, material possessions, education, and even your future earning potential all belong to God, not you. 

It’s essential to experience the Spirit-filled life in the area of finances.

Consider Psalm 8:4-6:

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels, and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”

We have to realize that there is absolutely no substitute for this step. If you believe that you are the owner of even a single possession, then the events affecting that possession are going to affect your attitude. God is a gentle Master. He does not force His perfect will into our lives but commands us to first surrender our will to Him.

Become Debt Free

Though financial freedom isn’t just about getting out of debt, it is an important step to finding freedom. When you’re debt-free, you have more margin and freedom to be used by God in many more ways. 

Honor God First

Again, writing a tithe check doesn’t just mean that you have financial freedom. But, every Christian should give the first 10% of their gross income as a tithe (Malachi 3:8-10; 2 Corinthians 9:7). This is a physical act to show that we have given total ownership of our finances to God.

Accept God’s Provision 

No matter how much money you have, recognize and accept that God’s provision is enough. God’s will can be accomplished no matter how much money you have. Not every Christian will experience worldly wealth. But living in poverty doesn’t make you closer to God. 

Put Others First 

A Christian seeking financial freedom must always be willing to put other people first. This does not imply that a Christian has to be a floor mat for others; it simply means that he doesn’t profit at the disadvantage of someone else. The key lies in attitude. 

Limit Time Involvement 

A Christian must also limit time devoted to business affairs when family involvement suffers. 

Proverbs 23:4-5 says, 

“Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings, like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.”

Turn off the television, have your kids do their homework early, and study the Bible together. It is important for the whole family to understand God’s Word and to pray together.

Pray for those in need, too. Help your children become aware that Christians, as intercessors, can pray for others and expect God to answer. 

Avoid Indulgence 

In Luke 9:23, Christ said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Similarly, in John 6:27, He said, “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” 

How does your lifestyle align with Jesus’ teaching? Are you willing to trust God and deny yourself some indulgences? Look to the Lord to satisfy your needs. Most of us can reduce our expenditures substantially without a real reduction in living standards.

Learn What God’s Word Says About Your Finances

Sometimes, all we need is a guide to help us navigate what the Bible says about our finances. AdelFi’s Financial Stewardship Center is a wonderful guide for understanding what it means to live as a steward and how to make practical changes to align your finances with Scripture.

Get Christian Counseling

It is important to seek good counseling from mature believers, and perhaps Christian financial planners.

Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.”

Many Christians become frustrated in financial planning because they lack the necessary knowledge and then give up. God has supplied others with the ability to help in the area of finances. If you’re struggling with the cost of your credit card debt, we recommend finding a credit counselor or counseling group that is aligned with your Christian values.

A Right Relationship with God

There is a great need in Christianity to get back to the basics of God’s Word. This is true whether we’re talking about salvation, sanctification, service, or finances. 

The financial principles given throughout God’s Word are not there to see if we’re strong enough to live by them; they’re given because God knows that they are the best for us. God’s financial principles are not an arbitrary set of rules to govern us; they are a loving Father’s wisdom to those who will listen and trust Him.

While financial freedom is more about following God than just getting out of debt, it's an important step that will give you more margin and freedom to be used by God in many more ways. The AdelFi Credit Card Payoff Calculator is an excellent way to strategize how you'll get there.

This article has been adapted for use by AdelFi for the benefit of its audience and in exclusive partnership with Crown Financial Ministries. This article was originally written by Chuck Bentley, CEO of Crown Financial Ministries and was posted to Crown.org. To learn more about Crown’s mission go to crown.org.