WHEN PEOPLE THINK about wealth, numbers and net worth often come to mind. But in my latest book, Joyful Wealth Management, I invite you to view money through a different lens—not as an end in itself, but as a gateway to a richer, more meaningful life. This is not merely about financial strategies; it’s about rewriting your financial story in alignment with the greater story God is telling through your life. To those entrusted with wealth, the Bible doesn’t just prescribe caution—it offers a joyful invitation.

For too long, the conversation around money has revolved around fear or guilt. Instead, I propose we approach wealth as an opportunity for ministry, stewardship, and joy. True wealth management is about aligning financial decisions with God’s purpose so that our giving becomes a vibrant and life-giving part of our spiritual journey.

Identity and Motivation: The Power of Story

One of the primary messages I share is this: identity is powerful. The financial decisions you make flow from your understanding of who you are. Instead of seeing yourself as a reluctant donor or detached investor, recognize that you are the kind of person who makes lasting, beautiful gifts. Your story—past, present, and future—matters deeply in motivating action. When you view yourself as a joyful giver, generosity becomes an integral part of your identity, not just an occasional act.

Complex financial strategies can certainly be effective, but the heart of joyful wealth management is much simpler: giving is enjoyable because everything we have is from God. Charitable giving—whether through appreciated assets or a creative trust strategy—can maximize your impact and fulfill your own deep-seated desire to do good. Good stewardship isn’t a burden; it’s fun, freeing, and scientifically proven to increase your sense of well-being and satisfaction.

The Bible’s invitation is clear: use your wealth to take a joy ride. This isn’t about reckless spending, but about purposeful action—making big, meaningful gifts that reflect the abundance you’ve received. Good stewardship is not only a spiritual discipline but a source of delight. As you embrace generosity, you discover that managing wealth well leads to a life that’s both joyful and deeply impactful for others.

THIS ISN’T ABOUT RECKLESS SPENDING, BUT ABOUT PURPOSEFUL ACTION—MAKING BIG, MEANINGFUL GIFTS THAT REFLECT THE ABUNDANCE YOU’VE RECEIVED.

Victory and Gratitude: Building a Lasting Legacy

The victory in this journey is not measured by how much you retain but by the good you accomplish. The final message I offer is simple: you’re doing good work. When you leverage your wealth to bless others, you lay a strong foundation for the future—storing up treasures that last. More importantly, you experience gratitude and joy, knowing your story is eternally connected to God’s redemptive purposes in the world.

Let us rewrite the familiar script of wealth management. Let’s make it joyful, meaningful, and a reflection of the abundant life we’re called to steward. After all, joyful wealth management is not just about money—it’s about embracing a story richer than any balance sheet can show.

Learn more about this topic with Dr. Russell James’ free book, Joyful Wealth Management: A Bible Study Discussion Guide, available at Encourage Generosity.com.

This article was published in our Faithful Steward magazine, a quarterly publication filled with encouraging stories, biblical teaching, and practical tools to help you grow as a wise and joyful giver. If you'd like to begin receiving Faithful Steward, consider becoming a FaithFi partner.