Hey, friends! Welcome back to the Insider Journal, where we wrestle with how to maximize our eternal outcomes as Christian leaders. Today, we’re launching a six-part series on money — a topic we often skirt but need to tackle head on.

Here’s the lineup:
Part 1, “Money Is Not the Problem”
Part 2, “What They Don’t Tell You on Sunday”
Part 3, “Turnaround Non-Revenue Bearing Assets”
Part 4, “The Tax Strategy that Wins”
Part 5, “How to Lower Your Management Fees”
Part 6, “Die Broke.”

I promise you’ll hear fresh, Biblical insights that’ll change how you steward your resources for Kingdom impact. Let’s dive into Part 1.

Recently, I was on a call with a TMP alumnus, a close friend who’s always been an encouragement. Let’s call him, Mike. He was wrestling with business challenges despite being fully funded — his family was set, his future was financially secure. But, Mike was in the doldrums. “Business isn’t fun anymore,” he said. “It used to be a thrill, but now it’s just about something to do.” Then he dropped an idea: “What if I worked for free, taking on ventures with big Kingdom fruit?” Great concept, but I saw a pitfall. I told Mike, “Don’t do it for free. Charge a fair rate to create expectation and accountability.” Why? Free work often lacks commitment — people devalue what costs them nothing. I’ve seen it in volunteer groups, like men’s ministries that dissolve when a business conflict arises. Without cost — whether money, time, or effort — priorities shift fast. Plus, high-achieving people need a scorecard, so I often recommend creating a performance-based income that fits the nonprofit’s budget (even when you’re going to give 100% of it away).

Mike pushed back: “But I don’t want it to be about money.” I hear that a lot. Here’s the truth: Money isn’t the problem. It’s a fantastic tool.

The real issue is greed. Money gets a bad rap in Christian circles. We hear warnings about wealth and start thinking dollars are the enemy. That’s like blaming a firearm for a crime or a hacksaw for a lost limb. The problem isn’t the tool — it’s the heart. When we chase money for security, status, or self-worth, we drift from God’s purpose. As leaders, the world’s scorecard — bigger profits, flashier portfolios — tempts us. But with Priority Living, through The Master’s Program, we leverage everything we have for eternity.

Proverbs 27:23 says, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” Sheep used to be a currency, this isn’t about sheep — it’s about stewardship. God entrusts us with resources, including money, and expects wise management, whether we have a little or a lot. Greed distorts that. Paul warns in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” It’s not money — it’s obsession that derails us. I’ve seen leaders lose joy, family, and faith chasing wealth.

So, how do we steward well? First, reframe money as a tool, not a trophy. In Priority Living’s LifeMastery, we align our personal, professional, family, and Kingdom roles. Money is part of that. Ask: Is my wealth serving God’s purposes or my ego? Matthew 13 warns about “the deceitfulness of wealth” choking out fruit. Set a giving cap — a percentage of your income for Kingdom causes — that you give to joyfully. Joyful generosity is the antidote to greed.

Second, adopt an eternal perspective. Money is for eternal impact, not just earthly comfort. Imagine standing before God, accounting for your “flock.” Will you show yourself focused on building more pens to hold more sheep or lives changed through your stewardship?

Finally, build accountability. Share your financial goals with a mentor, your spouse, or a Christ-following financial planner. In DreamMaster, couples dream about their legacy. Include money — how you’ll use it to bless others and honor God.

Here’s the ending: Greed’s the enemy, not money. When we steward with an eternal perspective, we turn worldly scorecards into Kingdom ones. Over the next five parts, we’ll explore bold strategies, from giving secrets to tax wins and even dying broke. Get ready for some surprises!

This week, take 15 minutes to review your “flock.” Check your budget, giving percentage, and financial strategies. Ask God for one way to use your resources for His Kingdom and share it with a trusted friend.

Money can define you for a moment if you let it. How you steward it defines you forever. Let’s make it count for the Kingdom.

In your corner,
Jeff

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