Key Takeaway
True financial freedom comes not from having more, but from surrendering everything to God and aligning our money with His mission.
Before diving in, we’d love to invite you to walk through our five-day devotional, Astonishing Generosity. This devotional explores how God empowers us to forgive the impossible through the power of the gospel. You can start the journey here.
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Read Acts 4:32-37.
Don’t you want to be written into the story of God?
In this talk, we’re joined by Ron Blue, one of the leading voices in Christian financial planning. Ron’s story isn’t just about money—it’s about surrender, purpose, and the freedom that comes when we live with eternity in mind.
Though he grew up in a Christian home marked by legalism, Ron eventually chased career success above all else. After launching a CPA firm in Indianapolis, his life was rocked when his wife, Judy, nearly died. That crisis led them to seek spiritual answers. Judy came to know Christ, but when she told Ron, he threatened divorce. Quietly, she began to live out the truths of 1 Peter 3, modeling Christlike love and perseverance. Over time, her faithful witness softened Ron’s heart, and he surrendered his life to Jesus.
That decision changed everything.
Ron walked away from a successful business, financial security, and the comfort of being near friends and family. He stepped into full-time ministry—not because it was easy, but because God called him. Later, he founded Blue Trust, a company with a bold mission: “Helping Christians plan and manage their money so they can have more to give away for the funding and fulfillment of the Great Commission.”
Ron and Judy’s story is one of deep obedience, and God gets all the glory. The fruit of their faithfulness is evident in their children and grandchildren and the legacy of generosity they continue to live out.
One of the defining moments of Ron’s journey was a trip to Africa early in his career. While visiting a pastor living in a mud hut, Ron asked what the greatest barrier to the spread of the gospel was. The pastor didn’t hesitate: “Materialism.” That moment reframed everything for Ron. Materialism isn’t just an American issue—it’s a heart issue. And hearts will always long for more unless they’re satisfied in Christ.
So what’s Ron’s best financial advice?
God owns it all.
If the market crashes, it’s God’s money, not ours. That truth eliminates fear. The Bible gives us principles—not formulas—for how to steward what we’ve been given. When we align our financial decisions with God’s unchanging Word, we can live with peace no matter what happens in the economy.
This mindset doesn’t just free us from fear; it opens us up to radical purpose. Ron reminds us that as long as we’re alive, God still has work for us to do. We don’t retire from Kingdom work. We keep giving, serving, and trusting.
Ron also shares how, when he sold his company, he gave away all the proceeds. Why? Because he saw it as simply returning to God what God had given. That kind of freedom — giving joyfully, generously, and without fear — comes from wanting less, not having more.
He and Judy made a decision: once they hit a certain income threshold, anything beyond that would be given away. The more God blessed them, the more they gave.
And they gave with joy, not reluctance. They experienced the blessing, acknowledged it, and delighted in giving it away.
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Five Biblical Financial Principles:
Live within your income.
Give generously.
Set aside money for emergencies.
Save today for tomorrow’s goals.
Avoid debt.
These aren’t just tips but timeless truths rooted in God’s wisdom.
To adopt a biblical financial mindset, we must reject the cultural one. Our world says more money equals more happiness. But Scripture shows us the opposite: true contentment isn’t tied to how much we have—it’s about who we trust.
We may not be able to change our financial situation overnight, but we can take one step of obedience today.
Discussion Questions
What stood out to you most from Ron Blue’s story of surrender and generosity?
How does the idea that “God owns it all” challenge or encourage your current view of money?
Have you ever experienced fear about finances? What truths from Scripture help you combat that fear?
In what ways does materialism show up in your own life, and how can you guard your heart against it?
Why do you think generosity leads to greater freedom rather than less?
How can living with a long-term Kingdom vision impact your financial choices today?
What does it look like to “give with joy” in your current season of life?
Which of the five biblical financial principles do you find the hardest to live out? Why?
What would change in your finances if you committed to living on a fixed amount and giving the rest?
How can you involve your family or community in building a more generous and biblical financial lifestyle?