In life, I’ve often noticed ‘advantages’ I have in certain financial situations. Sometimes I save more money than I should or receive more money than I expected. The conduit could be from my personal relationships, promises from God, or life experiences that have shaped my view of wealth and how I approach the world. I’ve seen my husband, his brother, my sister, and parents experience it as well. Reader, I think it would be a good idea to think about what’s your advantage. If you need some inspiration, I hope this article helps. 

1. Relationships and Mentorship: The Advantage of Knowing Someone

One of the most tangible advantages we can have is knowing someone who is a subject matter expert in a particular area. It could be a friend, a family member, or even a colleague, but having access to the wisdom and experience of others gives us a unique edge. For example, my dad was a mechanic, and whenever I have a car issue, I know I can go to him for advice. He’s saved me thousands of dollars in avoiding unnecessary repairs and buying cars that would end up being lemons.

2. The Promises of God: The Advantage of Faith

Another powerful advantage we have comes from the promises of God in His word. For instance, in Luke 6:38 Jesus tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This gives us an advantage because it’s not just a suggestion; it’s a divine guarantee. God tells us exactly what will happen if we give generously. This advantage is rooted in the unwavering reliability of God’s word, and it provides a sense of security in our financial decisions and beyond. This of course applies to our time and efforts as well. When we follow His guidance, we can rest assured that He will provide for our needs. 

Here’s another example of God’s promises in action regarding finances. At the very beginning of my photography journey, I bought a $250 camera from Amazon. This was at a time when I was making $12.00 an hour so $250 was a sizable investment. When I got home from work, I realized the camera was supposed to have been delivered, but instead, it had been stolen off my doorstep. I asked my neighbors next door to no avail and walked into my apartment feeling vulnerable and very upset. 

I started doing research on theft in the Bible because I wanted to know how I should handle the situation. That’s when I came across these verses about God’s law regarding retribution. Proverbs 6:30-31 “People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.”
Exodus 22:1 “If someone steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, they must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.”
Leviticus 6:4-5 “…when they sin in any of these ways and realize their guilt, they must return what they have stolen or taken by extortion, or what was entrusted to them, or the lost property they found, or whatever it was they swore falsely about. They must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it, and give it all to the owner on the day they present their guilt offering.”

I knew that it was the devil who had motivated this person to steal from me, so I got on my knees, asked Jesus to be my lawyer, and for a court appearance with God in the heavenly realms. I asked for God to judge fairly according to His word and I believed that He would avenge me, even though I wasn’t exactly sure how. I also prayed for the person who took the camera, I asked that God use it to teach them wisdom. 

The next thing I did was call Amazon and tell them the situation. This was my first time calling Amazon customer service. A wonderful representative with a Jamaican accent immediately sent me a new camera. The next week, I was selected to be part of a program that paid my light bill for a little over three months. I’m sure that wasn’t the end of God’s justice for me, but those two things happening were not a coincidence and completely changed a negative situation into a beautiful experience that deepened my trust in Him. He truly is for us, not against us. If you are ever wronged, talk to Him about it. 

3. Growing Up: How Your Background Can Be an Advantage

Our upbringing also plays a significant role in shaping who we are and can be seen as an advantage. The values we were raised with, the lessons learned, and even the struggles we faced can provide us with the resilience and perspective we need to succeed. Take Josh’s early life, for example. He grew up in a household where his father was a hard worker and generous, but they were poor more often than not. Despite his work as a mortician Josh has slept in the back of trucks, taken bird baths with microwaved water, and has eaten plenty of struggle meals. Growing up like that has shaped his cautious approach to money today. He’s always on the lookout for ways to save, is careful with his spending, and takes his time before making big purchases. While his upbringing was tough, it provided him with the wisdom to approach money with a different mindset, allowing him to avoid the same mistakes and build a better financial future.

4. The Advantage of Good Credit

Having good credit is a significant advantage because it opens up a world of financial opportunities. With a strong credit score, you can qualify for better interest rates on loans, credit cards, and mortgages, which can save you a substantial amount of money over time. Good credit also gives you the flexibility to make larger purchases or investments, such as buying a home or starting a business, with more favorable terms. The main goal of credit is to show lenders you are financially responsible, making it easier to gain trust from banks, landlords, and even employers who may review your credit history as part of their decision-making process. 

Leveraging Your Advantages

So, what do you have that others may not? Knowing what your advantages are is the first step. I hope you’ll start to see them more and more as the years go on. I hope when you notice them, in the moment or in reflection, that you praise God for them. Just like knowing someone who’s an expert in a field, or holding on to the promises of God, these advantages should not be taken for granted. Don’t be like the nine lepers in Luke 17 who didn’t say thank you to Jesus after He gave them the life-changing advantage of His healing and presence. 

Thanks for reading a story from Childfree Christians—choosing joy, purpose, and a whole lot of freedom.