Growing up in the Methodist Church I heard John Wesley's advice for years. I wish I had followed it closer when I was younger. If you are reading this and are young, carefully consider this advice. It will change your life.
“Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”
It’s simple, practical, and deeply spiritual.
Most people only think about the “gain” part—working hard, earning more, getting ahead. But Wesley’s words weren’t about chasing wealth for its own sake. They were about using money as a tool for good, wisely and responsibly. Let’s break it down.
Gain All You Can
This one’s straightforward. Work hard. Whether it’s through a steady job, a small business, or a side hustle, earn an honest living. Wesley was clear: don’t exploit others or sacrifice your health or soul just to make a buck, but do work diligently.
Opportunities today are broader than ever. You can start a business from your kitchen table or earn from your smartphone. But it’s not about being flashy or keeping up with anyone. It’s about putting your skills to use and being faithful in your work.
Save All You Can
Wesley didn’t mean hoarding. He meant living on less than you make, always.
That means budgeting. Avoiding impulse spending. Learning to say no to things you can’t afford. And when you do have extra, invest it wisely.
Here’s what I recommend:
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Put the bulk of your long-term savings in index funds. They're simple, low-cost, and over time they grow.
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If you want to take a swing at higher growth, set aside a small portion for companies or sectors that align with your values and show long-term promise, like clean energy, technology, or AI.
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Most importantly, stay out of debt.
Debt isn’t just a financial burden, it’s a thief of freedom. It robs you of options. It increases your stress. It owns your future. I know. I’ve been there. And I wish I’d followed this advice more carefully in my younger years.
Give All You Can
Now we get to the heart of it. This is where the Christian life stands apart.
The world is full of need. Hunger, addiction, loneliness, broken families, needs are everywhere. And yet, God has blessed many of us with far more than we need. That’s not so we can upgrade our lifestyle every year. It’s so we can make a difference.
Find a cause that stirs your heart. Maybe it’s your church, a food pantry, a missions group, or an organization helping families get back on their feet. Give generously. Give joyfully. And don’t just give money, give your time, your encouragement, your presence.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t always follow Wesley’s advice as I should have. I’ve made financial mistakes, taken on unnecessary debt, and spent money than I should. But looking back, the times I did save and invest wisely, and the times I gave, those are the moments that make a difference.
The older I get, the more I realize: it's not about how much you make. It's what you do with what you have.
So gain all you can—honestly.
Save all you can—faithfully.
Give all you can—generously.
You’ll never regret it.
Here is a book I recommend called: The Simple Path towards wealth. It is a good practical way to live a life free of debt and the associated stress.
