3 Signs You Might Be Too Passive with Your Money

As ministry leaders and people of faith, we often talk about trusting God with our finances. But if we are honest, sometimes what we call “faith” is really just avoidance. Stewardship is active. It is thoughtful. And it is intentional.

We are called to manage what God has entrusted to us—not ignore it.

In this post, I want to show you three subtle signs that you might be too passive with your money and what you can do to shift from reactive to intentional financial leadership.

1. You Are Always Hoping It Works Out

This one feels spiritual on the surface. You pray, trust, and wait. But when bills are due, giving is down, or an unexpected expense comes up, your plan is simply to hope it all works out.

Hope matters. Prayer matters. But hope is not a strategy.

God does not ask us to carry financial stress alone, but He does call us to plan with wisdom.

What to do:
Create a weekly or monthly rhythm where you check in with your finances. Look ahead instead of reacting. It does not have to take long. Even 10 to 15 minutes a week can reduce stress and help you lead your finances instead of just surviving them.

2. You Do Not Know Where Your Money Is Going

This is more common than most people admit. If I asked you, “How much did you spend eating out last month?” or “How much did you give?”—would you know?

If you do not track it, you will not manage it. What feels like “not enough income” is often really “not enough clarity.”

What to do:
Look at your last month of transactions. What stands out? Are there patterns that do not reflect your priorities? Use a simple spreadsheet, your bank’s app, or a tool like EveryDollar or Monarch to get a better picture. Awareness creates accountability.

3. You Are Avoiding a Financial Decision You Know You Need to Make

This one hits close to home for many people in ministry.

You know you need to face the debt.
You know you should start saving more or giving more consistently.
You know that side hustle is burning you out.
You know there is a conversation you have been putting off.

But you keep delaying it, hoping it will resolve itself.

What to do:
Write down one financial decision you have been avoiding. Just one. Name it. Then take a small step toward resolving it this week. That might mean canceling a subscription, setting up a budget, or having a financial conversation with your spouse.

Clarity builds momentum.

Faith Is Active. Stewardship Is Intentional.

Being passive with your money may feel easier in the short term. But long term, it leads to confusion, stress, and missed opportunities.

You do not need to overhaul everything overnight. But you can take one step today. You can lead your finances instead of being led by them.

God does not expect perfection. But He does invite us to be faithful.

Stewardship begins when we stop ignoring and start engaging.