How we spend our wages is a reflection of our spiritual lives as well as our money management in Orthodox Christianity. Although money in and of itself is not bad, how we use it can either bring us closer to God or cause us to become materialistic and self-centered. According to the Orthodox Church, our income is a gift from God, given to us to help others and further His Kingdom in addition to meeting our own needs. In doing so we are ensuring that we are living to the standard we have been given in the gospels. Having these key principles in our mind when we are working with our income will help us stay humble in our lives.
Three Key Principles:
- Providing for Our Needs with Gratitude
We are called to be good stewards of what God provides, using our income responsibly to meet the needs of ourselves and our families. This includes housing, food, clothing, and other necessities—but always with a heart of gratitude, avoiding excess or indulgence in luxuries that can lead to attachment to worldly comforts. - Giving to the Church and Those in Need
Tithing and almsgiving are central to Orthodox Christian life. Supporting the Church financially ensures that it can continue its mission, provide sacraments, and serve the community. Additionally, Christ commands us to care for the poor, widows, orphans, and those in distress. Our paychecks should reflect our Christian love, recognizing that giving is not simply charity but an offering to God. - Avoiding Greed and Trusting in God
Money can easily become an idol when we see it as our ultimate security. The Orthodox approach reminds us that wealth is fleeting, and our true security is in God. While saving and planning for the future is wise, hoarding wealth or placing our trust in financial success rather than in God’s providence can lead to spiritual destruction.
A Balanced Approach
The goal is to use our earnings in a way that glorifies God—balancing financial responsibility, generosity, and detachment from material wealth. St. John Chrysostom reminds us that “the rich exist for the sake of the poor, and the poor exist for the salvation of the rich.” By using our paychecks with wisdom, humility, and charity, we transform money from a potential source of sin into a means of grace, living out Christ’s command to love both God and our neighbor.
Another good way I have found is breaking these ideals into measurable percentages.
1. Prioritizing Necessities (50-70%)
- Housing: Rent or mortgage payments
- Utilities: Electricity, water, gas, internet, phone
- Food: Groceries and essential household items
- Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, public transit
- Healthcare: Insurance, medical expenses, prescriptions
2. Saving and Investing (10-30%)
- Emergency Fund: At least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses
- Retirement Savings: 401(k), IRA, pension contributions
- Investments: Stocks, bonds, real estate, mutual funds
3. Paying Off Debt (10-20%)
- Credit Cards: Prioritizing high-interest debt
- Student Loans: Making regular payments to avoid extra interest
- Other Loans: Car loans, personal loans, mortgage principal
4. Discretionary Spending (10-20%)
- Entertainment & Dining Out: Movies, restaurants, hobbies
- Travel & Leisure: Vacations, weekend trips
- Subscriptions: Streaming services, gym memberships
- Shopping: Clothes, gadgets, home decor
5. Giving and Charity (5-10%)
- Tithing or Donations: Religious giving, charitable organizations
- Helping Family or Friends: Financial support when needed
The Orthodox View: Stability Over Indulgence
The traditional approach to handling paychecks is discipline-based, focusing on long-term security rather than short-term gratification. It avoids financial recklessness and promotes a balanced lifestyle, ensuring future stability while still allowing for modest enjoyment.
Here are some Orthodox Christian sources related to the responsible use of money and stewardship:
- The Holy Bible
- Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
- 1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
- Luke 12:33-34 – “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy… for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- St. John Chrysostom
- On Wealth and Poverty. Translated by Catharine P. Roth, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1984.
- “The rich exist for the sake of the poor, and the poor exist for the salvation of the rich.”
- St. Basil the Great
- Homilies on Social Justice. Translated by C. Paul Schroeder, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2009.
- “The bread you do not use belongs to the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe belongs to the one who is naked.”
- The Philokalia (Writings of the Desert Fathers)
- St. Maximos the Confessor: “Avarice is the root of all evil, and it has many children.”
- St. Isaac the Syrian: “Give not the smallest place in your heart to love of money, for it will separate you from God.”
- Orthodox Church Teachings on Stewardship
- For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church. Ecumenical Patriarchate, 2020.
