As a new year begins, many of us set goals—especially financial ones.

Scripture affirms that God does desire to prosper His people, but His

definition of prosperity is far richer than material increase alone. In

Jeremiah 29:11, the word translated “prosper” is shalom, meaning

wholeness, completeness, soundness, and peace. Financial blessing may be

included, but it is never the centerpiece; intimacy with God is.

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 reveals the heart of Kingdom finances. He

begins with generosity, then moves to prayer and fasting, before

returning again to money. This structure is intentional. Giving,

praying, and fasting are not optional spiritual extras—Jesus says when

you do these things, not if. They are foundational practices meant to

shape our hearts, not simply our behavior.

At the center of this teaching is motivation. Jesus warns against

practicing righteousness to be seen by others—whether giving, praying,

or fasting. The Father who sees what is done in secret rewards openly,

reminding us that God is always more concerned with the posture of our

hearts than outward performance. Generosity, then, is not meant to be

transactional—“I give so God will bless me”—but relational, flowing

naturally from intimacy with the Father.

Jesus Himself modeled this life. Everything He did flowed from deep

relationship with God. He often withdrew from the crowds to pray and

lived a lifestyle of fasting. From that intimacy came power, provision,

and compassion. In the same way, generosity is meant to be the overflow

of a heart aligned with God, not a religious formula to manipulate

blessing.

The danger Jesus highlights is serving mammon—placing our trust in money

rather than in God. Mammon whispers fear: there’s not enough; hold

tighter. But Kingdom living declares that God is our Father and

provider. In His Kingdom there is no lack, anxiety, competition, or

greed—only abundance of peace, righteousness, and joy. When Jesus tells

us to “seek first the Kingdom,” He is inviting us to trust that

provision flows from relationship, not striving.

True prosperity is not measured by how much we accumulate, but by how

freely life flows through us. We are called to be rivers, not

reservoirs. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,”

and faithfulness in small things prepares us for greater stewardship.

God does not need our money—He desires our hearts. When our hearts are

rightly aligned, Kingdom finances follow as a natural expression of

sonship, trust, and generous love.