If God promised we would be lenders and not borrowers, why are so many Christians living paycheck to paycheck?
Deuteronomy 28:12 NASB “The Lord will open for you His good storehouse… and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow.”
Yet in practice, many believers remain dependent, underpaid, or stuck in cycles of survival. This isn’t just an economic issue. It’s a theological one, meaning how someone studies God and His revelations. Many of us were taught to spiritualize struggle and demonize strategy.
Let’s expose the myth and restore the model as God intended according to scripture.
Why So Many Christians Are Financially Struggling
1. Theology of Poverty
Some Christians assume being broke is somehow more holy. But the Bible never says that. It says love of money is the problem. Not money itself.
1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil…”
Avoiding wealth doesn’t make you righteous. Misusing it does.
2. Lack of Financial Literacy in the Church
We teach tithing and giving. But few churches teach budgeting, credit education, investing, or business strategy. So saints stay spiritually equipped but economically enslaved. Wisdom matters.
James 1:5 “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously…”
3. Fear of Worldliness
Believers often mistake ambition for arrogance and avoid entrepreneurship because it “feels fleshly.” But Jesus spoke more parables about investing, business, and stewardship than we want to admit.
Matthew 25:27 “Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest.”
He rebuked fear not investment.
4. Misuse of Faith Principles
Some wait for a financial miracle but never build a plan. They tithe faithfully but don’t steward over their finances. The result is holy people with empty bank accounts. Now, I’ll admit, I rather be broke and have Jesus than have the world and lose Him but these 2 things are not mutually exclusive. Jesus tells us that through our works we see the proof of faith.
James 2:17 “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”
5. Generational, Cultural and Structural Issues
Some communities were never taught wealth. Only wages. Only giving. Never growth. But the Kingdom call is dominion, not dependence.
Genesis 1:28 “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea…”
The Biblical Case for Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is found throughout the bible and remember, even Jesus used business in parables:
Luke 19:13 “And he called ten of his own slaves, and gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business with this money until I come back.'”
Jesus told them to do business. That word, pragmateuomai, means to trade, invest, multiply. The servant who buried his gift was called wicked.
What’s more is that women are seen as powerful players in the bible and their role as businesswomen is definitely something to highlight… especially in an ancient time where women were thought to be subservient and submissive.
Proverbs 31 Woman, an Entrepreneur?
Proverbs 31:16 “She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.”
Proverbs 31:24 “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.”
That ain’t just a homemaker. That’s a CEO.
Lydia, an Entrepreneur who funded ministry?
Acts 16:14 “A woman named Lydia, a seller of purple fabrics… was listening; and the Lord opened her heart…”
She ran a luxury textiles business and hosted the first house church in Philippi.
Jesus, Himself, Funded by businesswomen?
Luke 8:3 “Joanna… Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support from their own means.”
Christ’s earthly mission was sustained by women with income. That means Jesus had business partners, not just followers.
Why Starting a Business Is A Solution
Starting a Business creates ownership. No more relying on wages from those that may not even follow God. No more depending on the wealth of the wicked for a paycheck.
It builds legacy and legacy is that which outlives. As the bible says:
Proverbs 13:22 “A good person leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren…”
Business multiplies resources and fruitfulness. More can be done with pooled resources than individual effort alone. Businesses provide a vehicle for a mission to be achieved by collective effort.
In 2 Kings 4:1-7, Elisha told the widow to gather vessels and sell the oil. God used enterprise (product + sales) to cancel her debt and provide for her family. This is direct business instruction as a financial solution.
Again, it funds ministry. Real talk: tithing $20 might keep the lights on but owning the building blesses generations.
In Acts 4:36-37, Luke talks about how Barnabas sells property… “He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles’ feet.” Barnabas used personal assets to advance ministry. This business move was foundational to early church growth.
Think, without Joseph of Arimathea, as according to Matthew 27:57–60 “A rich man… who had himself become a disciple of Jesus…”, we wouldn’t have the tomb to witness His resurrection!
Many people would say that business owners are motivated by greed. But ownership is about stewardship, righteously serving others and delegating resources to others, especially the poor.
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people…”
Work, including business, is a form of worship when done in integrity.
What To Do Next (5 Steps to Exit Broke)
- Learn – Study budgeting, business credit, and income strategy.
- Fix Credit – It’s not just a score. It’s access.
- Start Small – A side hustle can be your seed.
- Use Your Job as Capital – Stack cash while you build.
- Give + Grow – Tithe, invest, and teach your children.
Final Word
God doesn’t want you broke. He wants you free!
He doesn’t require poverty. He requires obedience.
If you’re tired of just hoping for a financial miracle, maybe the next move is building the basket to receive one.
Entrepreneurship is biblical.
Stewardship is obedience.
Multiplication is your mandate.
Let’s chat on it:
Connect with me and l will help you launch, grow and scale your idea with Kingdom principles!
Call: 800-401-8418
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