Most people treat a “good” credit score like the finish line.
But in stewardship, “good enough” isn’t the goal. God calls us to excellence—not perfection, but faithfulness in every detail, even the ones lenders and algorithms are quietly tracking behind the scenes.

Think of your credit score like a vineyard in your care. It’s already producing a healthy crop, but with attention, pruning, and steady cultivation, you can produce abundant fruit. That extra growth can open doors to lower interest rates, better financing terms, and even opportunities to bless others in ways you couldn’t before.

Here’s how to tend the vineyard of a good credit score so it continues to flourish:

1️⃣ Keep Your Utilization in Check

Even with a strong score, carrying high balances can quietly chip away at it. Aim to use no more than 30% of your available credit—and less if possible.
💡 Stewardship principle: Just because you’re trusted with more doesn’t mean you should use it all. Margin isn’t wasted space; it’s breathing room for the unexpected.

2️⃣ Protect Your On-Time Payment Record

One late payment can stain years of faithful financial behavior. Set up autopay or calendar reminders to keep your track record spotless.
💡 Stewardship principle: Faithfulness in small, consistent actions builds long-term trust—whether with lenders or in life.

3️⃣ Avoid Unnecessary New Accounts

Each new account triggers a hard inquiry and reduces your average account age. If you don’t need it, skip it.
💡 Stewardship principle: Not every “opportunity” is a God-ordained assignment. Learn to say “no” so you can say “yes” to what matters most.

4️⃣ Keep Old Accounts Open (When It Makes Sense)

Long credit history signals stability. If there are no fees, let those old accounts quietly keep working for you.
💡 Stewardship principle: Roots matter. A flourishing tree needs a strong, deep history to weather the storms.

5️⃣ Monitor for Errors

Even good scores can hide inaccuracies. Check your credit report at least once a year for mistakes that could be dragging your score down.
💡 Stewardship principle: “The prudent see danger and take refuge” (Proverbs 27:12). Protect what’s been entrusted to you.

Why This Matters for Kingdom Stewards
Improving your credit isn’t about chasing prestige or more debt. It’s about:

• Lowering costs so more of your resources are freed for generosity.
• Positioning yourself for God-honoring opportunities like home ownership or ministry expansion.
• Demonstrating faithful management of what you’ve already been given.

In Uniform of the Steward, I write about shifting from a mindset of ownership to entrustment. When you view your finances—credit score included—as God’s assignment for your life, you stop asking “What can I get?” and start asking “How can I be most faithful?”

Let’s talk:
What’s one small, faithful habit you’ve built that’s helped your financial “vineyard” thrive? Share it below so others can be encouraged.