💳 Is Your Credit Score a Reflection of Your Faith?
Let’s talk about something most of us would rather avoid than confess in Bible study: our credit score.
We all know the jokes — “My credit score is so low, I can't even get a prayer answered.” But in all seriousness, your credit score isn’t just a number banks use to judge you. It’s a window into how you steward what God has entrusted to you.
In Uniform of the Steward, we talk about living as faithful stewards — recognizing that our money, time, and talents aren’t really “ours.” They’re God’s assignments for our lives. The same principle applies to credit. A strong credit score can be a powerful tool for advancing Kingdom purposes — whether that means financing a ministry dream, securing a home for your family, or simply modeling wise financial behavior to those you lead.
Here are 5 practical, faith-aligned tips to help you improve (or maintain) a strong credit score — and honor God in the process.
1️⃣ Pay on time — always.
The Bible reminds us in Psalm 37:21, “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” One of the biggest factors in your credit score is payment history. Even one late payment can set you back for years. Consider setting up auto-pay or reminders. Think of every bill as an opportunity to demonstrate integrity and reliability — two values central to faithful stewardship.
2️⃣ Keep your utilization low.
Your credit utilization ratio (how much of your credit limit you use) should ideally stay under 30%. Using too much of your available credit can signal financial stress. Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” By keeping balances low, you avoid becoming enslaved to debt and keep your focus on God’s bigger plans for your resources.
3️⃣ Avoid unnecessary new accounts.
Opening multiple new credit lines in a short time can ding your score and tempt you into spending more than you can repay. Stewardship isn’t about access to more but managing well what you already have. Before opening that shiny new store card for 10% off, ask: Does this serve God’s purpose for my life, or is it just serving my momentary desires?
4️⃣ Review your credit reports regularly.
Mistakes happen. You might discover errors that hurt your score — and it’s up to you to correct them. Check your reports at least once a year (you can get a free report from each bureau annually). As Proverbs 27:23 says, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” In modern terms? Know the condition of your accounts!
5️⃣ Be patient — growth takes time.
Improving your credit score is a marathon, not a sprint. The same is true for spiritual growth and stewardship. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Stay faithful, and your efforts — financial and spiritual — will bear fruit.
💡 Remember: A good credit score isn’t about pride or impressing others. It’s about positioning yourself to be a more effective steward.
Imagine what could happen if Christian leaders modeled financial faithfulness in such a practical way that it inspired an entire community to live debt-free, generous, and purpose-driven lives. Your credit score is just one tool in your stewardship toolbox — but when used wisely, it can help unlock new opportunities to serve, give, and lead.
🙏 How are you stewarding your credit today? Have you seen any faith lessons show up in your financial journey?
Let’s encourage each other in the comments. Share your favorite credit tip or a scripture that has helped guide your financial decisions.