The 3 Money Dimensions

I used to think I was terrible with money.

Every budget failed. Every financial plan crashed.

I felt like I was constantly fighting against myself.

Then I realized something:

Most Christians struggle with money, not because they lack discipline. They struggle because they’re trying to be someone they’re not.

Researchers (Dr. Eileen Gallo)* have discovered that we relate to money through three distinct dimensions: Acquisition, Use, and Management.

And most people develop only one.

The Acquirer sees money as a scoreboard.

You get energized by wealth-building. But maybe you struggle with enjoying what you’ve built or creating simple systems.

The User views money as fuel for experiences and generosity.

You love spending. But maybe wealth-building feels overwhelming, and detailed planning makes your eyes glaze over.

The Manager loves spreadsheets and optimization.

You excel at organization. But maybe growth strategies intimidate you, and you feel guilty every time you spend money on yourself.

Does any of this sound familiar?

I believe Biblical stewardship requires all three dimensions.

• The Acquirer reflects the Parable of the Talents (Matt 25), where Jesus praised servants who multiplied what they were given. God clearly expects us to grow resources, not bury them.

• The User embodies 1 Timothy 6:17, where Paul reminds us that God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Ecclesiastes 3:13 calls it “the gift of God” when we find satisfaction in our work and enjoy what we’ve earned.

• The Manager lives out Proverbs 27:23: “Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds.” This isn’t just for shepherds—it’s God’s instruction for careful stewardship of resources.

Biblical stewardship isn’t about staying in your comfort zone. It’s about becoming complete.

When you develop all three dimensions, everything transforms:

Acquisition becomes sustainable because management prevents foolish risks.

Use becomes guilt-free because acquisition ensures you’re growing faster than spending.

Management becomes purposeful because you’re optimizing for both growth and kingdom impact.

Your natural strength is your starting point, not your finish line.

God designed you with certain wiring, but He’s calling you to grow beyond it. The goal isn’t to stay limited—it’s to become the complete steward He created you to be.

And God often uses others to accelerate your growth.

My wife Linda is naturally a User.

Through her, I learned how to enjoy money without guilt and give more generously. I’m naturally a Manager and Acquirer.

Through me, she’s developed systems that bring peace and strategies that build wealth.

We both grew personally.

We both became more complete.

This week, identify your weakest dimension and commit to growing in it.

Because your strongest dimension is a gift from God, so you should leverage it.

But your weakest dimension is where your biggest breakthrough is waiting.

So the secret isn’t suppressing your natural tendencies, but it’s developing the dimensions you’ve been avoiding.

• If you’re primarily an Acquirer, start practicing guilt-free enjoyment and implement one simple spending system (Real Money Method would be great).
• If you’re primarily a User, dedicate time to wealth-building strategies (10x Investing would be great) and create one basic organization system.
• If you’re primarily a Manager, research growth strategies and create “permission to spend” categories you’ll actually use.

The goal isn’t to become someone else… but to become the complete version of yourself.

When you develop all three dimensions—when you become the complete steward God created you to be—something beautiful happens.

Money stops being a source of stress and becomes a tool for kingdom impact.

And this isn’t about perfection. It’s about wholeness.

So start where you are. Use what you have. Grow where you’re weak.

God will meet you there, just as He has met Linda and me through every step of our journey.

Your friend and coach,

Sources: Whole Heart Finances by Dr. Shane Enete