Unless you swore off of all media decades ago, you’re familiar with this title phrase.

“What’s in your wallet?” That’s been the promotional slogan of Capitol One since about the year 2000. They’ve used many celebrities with various commercials that led to it becoming a household question.

Lately, I’ve been reading and thinking about inflation and purchasing power.

Since the year 2000, a lot has changed about our American economy. But there’s no reason for the Christian to double down in fear and hold every penny in reserve. The principle of trusting God never changes. WE trust God even under the cruelest of economies.

With inflation considered, today’s purchasing power is not the same as in 2000. Ian Webster suggests that in today’s market, it takes $1.62 to buy what $1 would buy then. Thankfully, the average income has increased. But it hasn’t kept up with inflation. In my opinion, we need new defining parameters for middle-class income.

Think about the above example like this. If your household income was about $100K in 2000 (mine wasn’t and still isn’t), then you’d need to be grossing almost $162K to maintain the same lifestyle you had then.

It’s not hard to understand why the average income family can be considered working-class poor. For many of them, their outgo exceeds their income. All things considered, things like savings and vacations become a burden to afford.

So what should the Christian do? I’ve already stated the obvious answer for all people at all times in all cultures. TRUST the Lord with all your heart.

I can’t expect governments to fix my financial situation. They can be a part of the solution. But ultimately, they are not my SOURCE. God is my SOURCE, and every other source is simply a RESOURCE.

TRUST in the name of the Lord our God. He is still Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord, your provider. Look to Him for your HELP. When you’ve done the best you know how to do, the only WISE thing to do is call upon the Lord for HELP.

By all means, Christian, don’t stop believing and giving. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The tithe belongs to the Lord, and offerings invite special blessings upon your life.

If you’re struggling financially to meet your needs and there’s not enough in your wallet or bank account, here’s what I’d do. I would examine my giving. I’d be sure that my financial ledger reflects my TRUST in God. If it doesn’t, I’d step out in faith and take a small step. I’d test God and let His Word be true.

You see, God loves to take care of the needs of His people. But to take full advantage of the economy of the Kingdom of God, we have to be faithful in participating in His agenda.

If you’ve made it this far and expected that I was about to ask for an offering, you’re wrong. I’m not even going to link a way for you to give to the ministry I lead. I’m not trying to get something from you. I want to get something in you.

I’ve recently asked my congregation if their pocketbook was saved. Yeah, you’re saved, but do you fully TRUST God with your bank account. I want to see you as a Christian, fully TRUSTING God with everything that’s in your wallet. After all, your heart and soul belong to God. Your wallet should too.

“For wherever your treasure is, you may be certain that your heart will be there too” (Matthew 6:21, JBP)!