Finding Freedom in Financial Wisdom

Money touches nearly every part of our lives—where we live, how we spend our time, what we worry about, and even what we believe will make us secure. But what does it look like to approach our finances as an everyday expression of faith?

During the August 30 sermon on finances, Pastor Mark referenced a conversation with Zach Hochstetler from a Men’s Breakfast earlier this year. In the interview, Zach shares the journey God has taken him and his wife on as they have learned to think differently about money, contentment, and stewardship.

Their story is a reminder that biblical financial wisdom isn’t simply about creating a better budget or spending less. It begins with recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. Our responsibility is to faithfully steward what He has entrusted to us.

Zach talks about learning to distinguish between what we can afford and what we actually need, resisting the pull toward more, and intentionally choosing simplicity. Along the way, he shares practical insights for cultivating contentment and allowing financial decisions to reflect our priorities and faith.

Two books have helped shape Zach’s thinking: Freedom of Simplicity: Finding Harmony in a Complex World, which explores the spiritual discipline of simplicity, and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World, which challenges us to consider the pace and priorities of our lives.

Want to keep growing this week?

• Watch: Zach’s full conversation on YouTube

• Listen: The conversation on the Re:Center podcast

• Pick up a Rhythms of Life workbook under the Auditorium chairs and spend some time in Work & Money, page 17.

Consider: What is one financial decision you could make differently if your primary goal was faithful stewardship rather than simply having more?