Faith Over Finances

March 22, 2026

Dr. Paul Cannings

Giving is one of the most difficult Christian principles to communicate because money plays a significant role in providing for the needs of our families. Christ knew how important money is, and that is why He said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (money).”

To teach the disciples this principle, He stripped them of everything (Matthew 19:24–30). After explaining how He takes care of their daily needs (Luke 12:22–30), Christ said, “But seek His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:31, 34).

Christ understood our natural tendency to rely on money to care for our needs, but He knew that it could only care for our temporal needs. Money falls short of comprehensively empowering our daily lives. It cannot provide joy, peace, or self-control in the midst of temptation or moments of anger. It cannot provide inner strength when trials last long (long-suffering) or stimulate a living heart that loves no matter who we encounter each day. It cannot create a kind world or become a means to eternal life.

Only faith can guide us to experience the power of the Holy Spirit, who transforms us so that we may experience “life and life abundantly” (John 10:10; Romans 8:5–18, 26–28, 37–39).

A pastor was talking with his farmer friend and asked him, “If you had one hundred horses, would you give me fifty?” The farmer said, “Certainly.”

The pastor asked, “If you had one hundred cows, would you give me fifty?”
The farmer replied, “Yes.”

Then the pastor asked, “If you had two pigs, would you give me one?”

The farmer quickly answered, “Now cut that out, Pastor—you know I only have two pigs!”

Giving is—and always will be—a challenge because it requires us to trust God to truly care for our daily needs. When we learn this principle and apply it, both our material and spiritual blessings will continually flow.

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38).

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work…” (2 Corinthians 9:8–9).

It is really not giving that is difficult—it is faith that is the true challenge (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 9:24).