Hey there, friend! Today, we'll be exploring the concept of passive income and how it connects to biblical stewardship. Let's dive in!
Passive income, as you probably already know, is money earned with little to no effort on your part, typically after an initial investment of time, money, or both. Some common examples include income from rental properties, dividends from stocks, and royalties from books or music.
Now, let's look at how this idea relates to biblical stewardship. In Genesis 1:28, God instructs Adam and Eve to "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." This command not only applies to our families and communities but also to how we manage and grow the resources God has entrusted to us.
One of Jesus' most well-known teachings on stewardship can be found in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). In this story, a master gives his servants varying amounts of talents (a unit of money) before going on a journey. Two of the servants invest their talents and double their value, while the third hides his talent in the ground. Upon the master's return, the servants who invested their talents are praised, and the one who hid his talent is rebuked.
The message here is clear: God wants us to wisely invest and multiply the resources He's given us, rather than hoarding or squandering them.
The Bible also offers some pretty amazingly specific guidance on diversifying our income streams.
Ecclesiastes 11:2 says, "Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth." In other words, don't put all your eggs in one basket.
And then Proverbs 13:11 reminds us of the importance of patience and consistency in our financial growth: "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow."
As we reflect on these biblical principles, let's consider a few questions:
- How can you apply the concept of stewardship to your current financial situation?
- Are there opportunities for you to invest or multiply the resources God has given you?
- In what ways might you diversify your income streams to better steward the gifts God has entrusted to you?
Let's pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the resources You've given me. Help me to be wise and responsible with everything You've entrusted to me. Guide my decisions and actions as I strive to invest and multiply my resources for Your glory. Amen.
FAQs
However, we must also be cautious not to idolize wealth or become complacent in our pursuit of passive income. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns us that "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil," and Proverbs 23:4-5 cautions against wearing ourselves out to get rich.
How to earn money according to the Bible? ›
Proverbs 12:11 tells us, “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” Proverbs 14:23: “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Proverbs 12:24, “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.”
What are examples of passive income? ›
Passive income is money that doesn't take much time or effort to make and you don't earn it from a traditional job. It can include earnings from rental properties, dividends from stocks, selling courses online, and other projects where you're not involved in the continued generation of revenue.
What does the Bible say about 7 streams of income? ›
Verse Summary: What Ecclesiastes 11:2 Has to Say About Money
“Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” In other words: Avoid risk, avoid disaster, by diversifying your income!
What does God say about multiple streams of income? ›
The Bible also offers some pretty amazingly specific guidance on diversifying our income streams. Ecclesiastes 11:2 says, "Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth." In other words, don't put all your eggs in one basket.
What is a good quote about passive income? ›
#2 “You can only be financially free when your passive income exceeds your expenses.” #3 “If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” #4 Compound interest is the 8th wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it.
What is the honest way of earning money in Christianity? ›
The Bible teaches that to earn money, we must be willing to work hard (Proverbs 20:4). Not only must we be willing to work hard to earn money; we must earn it honestly (Luke 16:10). God wants us to earn money without cheating, lying, stealing, or taking advantage of others.
What does God say about struggling financially? ›
Matthew 6:33
In Matthew 6, we're reminded to “seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you all that you need.” Notice Jesus doesn't say he will give you everything you want. God will give you everything you need.
What does the Bible say about your income? ›
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
How can I make $1000 a month passively? ›
Passive Income: 7 Ways To Make an Extra $1,000 a Month
- Buy US Treasuries. U.S. Treasuries are still paying attractive yields on short-term investments. ...
- Rent Out Your Yard. ...
- Rent Out Your Car. ...
- Rental Real Estate. ...
- Publish an E-Book. ...
- Become an Affiliate. ...
- Sell an Online Course. ...
- Bottom Line.
Wrapping up ways to make $2,000/month in passive income
- Try out affiliate marketing.
- Sell an online course.
- Monetize a blog with Google Adsense.
- Become an influencer.
- Write and sell e-books.
- Freelance on websites like Upwork.
- Start an e-commerce store.
- Get paid to complete surveys.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 King James Version (KJV)
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
What does Proverbs 15 verse 22 mean? ›
What a simple, significant verse in Proverbs 15:22, that we all need to remember and apply, as we make plans in our lives. It is wise for us to not do that alone. As we think about decisions we make, it is wise for us to seek counsel from others. If left to ourselves, we are prone to foolishness.
What does Ecclesiastes 11/2 say? ›
NLT But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead. KJV Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
What does the Bible say about investing money? ›
The Bible doesn't specifically state that we should invest, but also does not forbid it. Investing is mentioned in Proverbs 31:16 and used in Jesus's parables (ex. Parable of the Ten Minas found in Luke 19:11-27), implying that it is expected and normal.
What does the Bible say about being profitable? ›
23 Those who work hard make a profit, but those who only talk will be poor. 24 Wise people are rewarded with wealth, but fools only get more foolishness. 25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. 26 Those who respect the Lord will have security, and their children will be protected.
What does the Bible say about being rich with money? ›
Finally, 1 Timothy 6:17-18 offers divine instructions for the wealthy among us. The passage reads: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Is passive income a side hustle? ›
The best type of side hustle is often the one that brings in a passive stream of income. Simply stated, passive income is income that requires little to zero work from you, so your input in this type of side hustle is limited only to how much capital you can afford to invest.
