5 Reasons We Don't Give More with Ron Blue

1. Spiritual Condition: The Foundation of Generosity

Before generosity ever shows up in our bank accounts, it begins in our hearts. When we grasp who God is, who we are, and the grace that has been extended to us, generosity naturally flows from that understanding.

The more we understand God’s ownership and our role as stewards, the more we want to give. Spiritual maturity is the foundation—without it, our giving will always feel like an obligation instead of an act of worship.

2. Financial Health: Creating Margin to Give

Even when our hearts are in the right place, poor financial habits can make generosity difficult. Many believers simply can’t give more because they’re weighed down by debt, overspending, or disorganization.

It often takes time—sometimes even years—to align our finances with our convictions. That might mean getting out of credit card debt, restructuring a business, or learning to live within our means. When we get our financial house in order, we create margin for generosity to flourish.

3. Vision: Seeing Where God Is Working

People don’t give to spreadsheets or buildings—they give to vision. When we can picture the impact of our giving, we’re motivated to invest more deeply.

A clear vision fuels generosity. Ask yourself: Where has God stirred my heart? What Kingdom work do I feel most passionate about? When we see how our resources can change lives—whether feeding children, funding missions, or supporting local ministries—we begin to give with joy and purpose.

4. Community: Encouragement from Others

Generosity rarely happens in isolation. We need relationships that encourage us to live open-handedly. When we surround ourselves with generous people—friends who talk about giving, pray about giving, and celebrate giving—we’re inspired to do the same.

5. Planning: Giving with Intention

Finally, generosity grows through intentional planning. I’ve seen it over and over in my work as a financial planner: when people create a plan for their giving, their generosity increases dramatically—sometimes fivefold.

A plan brings clarity and purpose. It helps you set a “finish line” for lifestyle and accumulation so you can redirect more toward eternal purposes. Without a plan, even well-intentioned believers often give sporadically or reactively. With one, generosity becomes a consistent and joyful part of life.

Moving Toward Greater Generosity

These five layers—spiritual condition, financial health, vision, community, and planning—build upon each other. Each represents a step toward living and giving as God intended.

So, which one are you ready to work on today?

The journey toward generosity isn’t about guilt—it’s about grace. As we align our hearts, habits, and plans with God’s purposes, we discover the joy of giving that truly reflects His character.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I’m considering a reverse mortgage and wondering—if I were to get one—whether my creditors could come after the proceeds.
• How can younger people today start building wealth? What are some practical strategies to grow financially—and how can we stay positive and motivated when so many in our generation don’t seem to think that way?
• I run a small architecture business, but my income has been inconsistent over the past few years. My financial advisor suggested I take a salaried job to help pay down debt and stabilize our family’s finances. If I do that, how should I communicate with a potential employer that I’d like to keep my business on the side—and is that even wise to do?
• I’ve been researching digital currencies and the broader move toward electronic money. With more people, including political figures, showing support for it—and with lower fees and more direct transactions—what’s your take on where this is heading?
• My husband is 65 and retired, and I’m 56 and still working. I’ve heard that a spouse can collect half of the other’s Social Security benefit once they reach a certain age. Is that true, and how does it work?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Open Hands Finance
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)
• FaithFi App