“Money is not the most important thing in life, but it’s reasonably close to oxygen on the ‘gotta have it’ scale.” ~ Dave Ramsey
Let me ask you something: What if you’ve been thinking about money all wrong?
I know what you’re thinking. “Chip, I’ve heard it all. Budget, save, get out of debt.” And yes, those things matter. But here’s what I’ve noticed after walking alongside hundreds of people through financial struggles and breakthroughs: most of us are playing not to lose instead of playing to win.
We’ve somehow turned money into the enemy instead of what it really is—a tool to build the life God designed for us.
Dave says, “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.”But it’s more than just stacking up dollars in the bank. It’s about having options.
And here we are, heading into Q4. ‘Tis the season when financial discipline takes a backseat. Black Friday. Holidays. Travel. Christmas shopping. “Just this once” turns into “just this month.” Then January rolls around, and suddenly we’re broke and behind again. And the bills come rolling in.
But what if this Q4 was different? What if the next three months weren’t about scrambling to recover, but about launching into 2026 with momentum?
Your money follows your heart. There’s an old pastor’s saying: “Show me your checkbook and I’ll show you your heart.” Your bank statement tells a story about what you really value.
So take a quick look at last month’s spending. What story does it tell? Someone building a legacy, or someone just getting by? Do your dollars reflect your values, or your impulses?
Here’s my Q4 challenge. And I’m saying this as your biggest cheerleader: stop budgeting to restrict and start budgeting to release. Get rid of the scarcity mindset and start operating from an abundance mindset. That’s what God intended anyway, right?
It’s not just about money. It’s about life.
- God can “bless you abundantly”…2 Corinthians 9:8.
- Jesus wants you to “have life more abundantly”. John 10:10.
- God can “do far more abundantly…” Ephesians 3:20.
Instead of asking, “What can I afford?” try, “What do I want to build?” Instead of, “How little can I save?” ask, “How much impact can I create?” Instead of saying, I’m going to hide this away”, say, “Who can I bless in this season?”
Because getting out of debt isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting line. The real adventure begins when you have choices, when you can give generously without stress, when you can take a risk without wondering if the lights will stay on.
This week, try this: before any purchase for coffee, gas, groceries, or gifts, pause and ask, “Does this move me toward who I want to become?”
And if you’re wrestling with old money patterns, hit REPLY and share your biggest financial frustration. Sometimes breakthrough starts with simply calling out what’s not working.
Money doesn’t just change numbers in a spreadsheet. It changes what kind of spouse, parent, leader, or friend you become.
ONE MORE THING…
Since we’re talking money and Q4, I have something special for you. Every year, I compile a Christmas Gift-Giving Guide—simple, practical ideas to help you bless the people you love without overspending.
The 2025 edition is ready for you. 🎁
Download the Christmas ’25 Gift-Giving Guide here.
Consider it my early gift to you. It’s a way to keep Christmas joyful, generous, and stress-free.