7 Practical Steps to Be Wise, Faithful & Present

Years ago, I was traveling in China with a friend when we got lost inside an enormous building. It was after hours, the streets outside were quiet, and as we walked around the massive structure, we weren't seeing anyone, and before long, a little anxiety started to build.

Then we noticed a kiosk in the distance. As we got closer, we saw a building map with a red dot showing exactly where we were. But instead of saying, “You are here,” the map said something I'll never forget:

“You are in the position of now.”

It wasn't a perfect translation, but the message stuck with me.

To get where we're going, we need to know two things: where we are and where we're headed. If we only know where we are, we may have a clear picture of today but no direction for tomorrow. If we only focus on where we're going, we can lose sight of where we are right now.

Our financial lives can work the same way. We need to prepare for the future, but if we're always focused on what might happen next we can miss the opportunity to be faithful with what God has placed in our hands today.

James 4:13–14 reminds us:“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

The future matters, but it shouldn't overshadow the importance of being fully present today. What does that look like when it comes to our money?

Here are seven practical steps to help us stay wise, faithful, and present.

1. Begin With Prayer

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

That includes our money.

When we pray about our financial situation and the choices we're making, we're inviting God into our stewardship journey. We're also bringing our hearts and minds back into alignment with His. Prayer reminds us that our money isn't just about numbers, it's part of God's greater story and His plans for us.

As Oswald Chambers said, “Prayer is not preparation for the greater work, prayer is the greater work.” Before making a financial decision, pause and pray. Ask God for wisdom, perspective, and a heart willing to follow His direction.

2. Make a Plan

A plan, or budget, is a tool that helps align our financial choices with our values. We’re not simply tracking numbers. We're deciding where our resources should go and making choices that reflect what matters most. A faithful financial plan gives our money direction and helps us make decisions intentionally rather than simply responding to whatever comes up next.

When our financial plan reflects our values and God's purposes, our resources reflect the opportunity to honor Him.

3. Give First

Giving first changes the way we think about money. Instead of making accumulation and personal plans the center of our financial lives, first-fruits-focused generosity reminds us that everything we have ultimately comes from God.

Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.”

When we give first to God and His Kingdom, we're acknowledging Him, His love, and His directives. Generosity also loosens the grip that our self-focus can have on our financial lives. It reminds us that our resources aren't simply something to protect and accumulate, they’re something we have the privilege to use for God's greater purposes.

4. Spend Less Than You Earn

This may sound obvious, but it's one of the most difficult habits for many people to maintain. Consumer credit is easy to access and it's easy to convince ourselves that we can afford something because we can make the payment, but spending less than we earn gives us room to breathe.

When we live within our means, we're better able to stay focused on the resources we have today instead of constantly longing for more. It also gives us greater freedom to make intentional choices with our money. Living within your means isn't about restriction for the sake of restriction. It's about making sure today's lifestyle doesn't take away tomorrow's choices.

5. Avoid the Use of Debt

Debt can become a financial pitfall, especially when it's used to support a lifestyle we can't currently afford. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is slave to the lender.”

One rule of thumb I often share is simple: If you can eat it, drink it, or wear it, don't use a credit card to buy it.

When we continually pre-spend tomorrow's income today, we give up some of our future freedom. Instead, aim to live your lifestyle at the speed of cash. That doesn't mean every financial decision will be easy - it means being intentional about the financial commitments we make today so we're not unnecessarily limiting our choices tomorrow.

6. Save for Emergencies

An emergency fund, or what I sometimes call a backup fund, is one of the most practical ways to stay financially grounded. I've heard many people say that building an emergency fund wasn't their favorite thing to do, but once it's there something changes.

Having money set aside for unexpected expenses can bring a sense of confidence and well-being. You're better prepared when life throws you a surprise and you're less likely to panic when an unexpected expense comes along. In its simplest form, you're preparing today for something that may happen tomorrow. That's a healthy way to think about the future: prepare for it without allowing fear of it to consume you.

7. Seek Wise Counsel

We're going to have questions along the way. Scripture repeatedly encourages us to seek wise counsel. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Find people you trust who can provide perspective and wisdom. That might include mentors, trusted friends, financial advisors, or a Kingdom-minded advisor. Sometimes an outside perspective helps us see something we wouldn't have noticed on our own. The right counsel can help us make wiser decisions today while still preparing intentionally for tomorrow.

'You Are in the Position of Now'

I’ve thought about that building map in China many times since that trip. “You are in the position of now.” God may have plans for our future, and we should prepare, plan, and make wise decisions, but we truly only have this day.

Recently, I was talking with one of my coaching clients about Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” A lamp doesn’t show us everything that’s ahead. It gives us enough light for the next step. God’s truths guides us the same way.

It's a special posture when we trust God with the future while faithfully stewarding what He has placed in our hands today.

So where are you today?

- Are you praying about your financial decisions?

- Do you have a plan?

- And...are you giving first, living within your means, avoiding lifestyle debt, preparing for the unexpected, and seeking wise counsel?

You don’t have to have the whole path figured out. You just need to be faithful with the next step in front of you. We are called to plan and the future holds a valuable position in our financial planning, but don’t let it steal your attention from the opportunity God has given you today!

Next Steps

Take a few minutes this week to reflect:

Where am I financially right now, and what is God asking me to do with what He's given me today?Then choose one of these seven steps and take one faithful step forward.

Listen to Money Made Faithful podcast episode #159: 7 Practical Steps to Be Wise, Faithful & Present (16 minutes) 

Apple:  Episode #159: 7 Practical Steps to Be Wise, Faithful & Present 

Spotify: Episode #159: 7 Practical Steps to Be Wise, Faithful & Present