Defining Your Mission: What Does Financial Freedom Look Like for a Kingdom Man?


Do you want financial freedom? Great! But what are you seeking to be freed from? Is it work, debt, daily worry, or reliance on anyone else? Do you want to stop working altogether, or just have the option to shift to a part-time job that truly aligns with your values?

Let’s define your personal destination as a faithful steward.

Step 1: Define Your Financial Freedom


How we define financial freedom is as diverse as we all are. Here are five common ways people frame this powerful goal. As you read these, prayerfully consider which one most closely aligns with God’s purpose for your life and family.  “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” James 4:3

Definition

The Goal in Focus

Kingdom Man Connection

Passive Income Exceeds Living Expenses (The FIRE Definition)

Freedom from the need to earn. Your income from investments, rentals, or royalties is greater than your total monthly expenses. At this point, working becomes optional.

A focus on maximum stewardship. It's not just independence; it's building a system of assets that can generate ministry-funding resources.

The Freedom to Make Life Choices

Freedom from financial constraint. You have the stability (emergency fund, low/no debt, savings) to quit a job you hate, take a lower-paying values-based job, or take a sabbatical to pursue a passion.

A focus on time and purpose. Your resources grant you the flexibility to pursue God’s specific calling without being tethered to a high salary.

Being Debt-Free and Stress-Free

Freedom from the anxiety of bills. This is the foundational goal: living a life free from high-interest debt (Proverbs 22:7) and having enough savings to cover essential living expenses comfortably without daily money anxiety.

A focus on integrity and peace. It ensures you are not a slave to the lender and allows you to enjoy the peace that comes from responsible stewardship.

Financial Independence (The 4% Rule)

The Net Worth Number. A common metric where your investment portfolio is large enough that you can sustainably withdraw 4% of it annually (adjusted for inflation) and cover 100% of your current expenses for 30 years or more.

A focus on measurable progress. It provides a clear, objective target for your wealth-building goals. (Required Formula: Target Portfolio Size = Annual Expenses x 25)

Achieving Financial Security

Freedom from basic fear. This is the first safe harbor: having enough passive income or assets to cover only your basic, essential needs (housing, food, utilities, and insurance) without working.

A focus on core provision. It eliminates the fear of losing the essentials and provides a crucial safety net for your family.

Pause and Decide: Which of these definitions most closely aligns with your desired destination? Write it down. Once you figure that out, you create a plan to get you there!

Step 2: Find Your Kingdom Plan


Once you have your destination, you need a GPS. Many successful financial plans share a few core strategies. Look how they align with your goals:

Common Step

Coach’s Guidance for Kingdom Men

Core Principle

Set Clear Financial Goals

Of 1st Importance: Your goals must align with your faith—not just "retire," but "retire to do what."

Stewardship & Purpose

Master Budgeting

Strength in Direction: You must learn to budget every dollar, assigning it a purpose before the month begins.

Intentionality & Discipline

Get Debt Out of Your Life

Unlock the Chains: Attack consumer debt with fury (we prefer the Debt Snowball). The borrower is slave to the lender.

Freedom & Obedience

Invest Early & Consistently

Plan for Tomorrow: Invest 15% of your income for the future, once your debt is paid off and you have a fully funded emergency fund, to build a legacy and the capacity for generosity.

Diligence & Legacy

Live Below Your Means

God is Your Provider: Reject "lifestyle inflation." A Kingdom Man controls his spending; his spending doesn't control him.

Contentment & Wisdom

Be Generous with Others

Be a Cheerful Giver: Generosity is the fruit of stewardship. Giving must be a budget line item.

Faith & Love

Step 3: Implement the System


Are any of these plans easy? Absolutely not.

Achieving financial freedom requires hard work, sacrifice, time, and blessings of provision from God. You will need to roll up your sleeves and get on the same page with your family and God willing you can achieve your goals. “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord will, we will live and do this or that.’” James 4:15

This is a team sport. Develop a shared dream with your spouse and celebrate the wins—small and great—as you progress. Remember, your effort isn't just for a higher net worth; it’s about answering the call to be a faithful manager in the Kingdom.

Your next steps:

  1. Select Your Definition: Write down which of the five definitions above is your target.

  2. Pick Your Plan: Commit to the steps above (budgeting, giving, debt elimination, savings, investing).

  3. Find Your Accountability Partner: Share your definition and plan with your wife, your small group, or a trusted friend.

Now is the time to humble yourself before the Lord and live joyously in His Provision.  

Having a hard time creating a plan?  Complete the contact form and we can work with you to build a Legacy that matters.

(Disclaimer: All information presented on this blog and the "Financial Coaching Kingdom Men" podcast is for educational and coaching purposes only. We are not licensed financial advisors, and you should consult with a qualified professional for specific financial, tax, and legal advice.)


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