2025 Economic Recap: What the Numbers Teach Us About Faithful Stewardship

In Genesis, God commands humanity to “work and keep” the garden (Genesis 2:15), a call to cultivate and steward creation. This biblical principle extends beyond farming; it shapes how we approach everything entrusted to us, including money and material resources.

With economic headlines often feeling distant or confusing—“interest rates rise,” “inflation slows,” “GDP contracts”—it’s easy to tune them out. But faithful stewardship means paying attention to these shifts, not to stir anxiety, but to foster wisdom. The economy affects our families, our communities, and our ability to live generously.

As 2025 draws to a close, here’s a look back at key economic trends, and more importantly, what they mean for those seeking to live with biblical wisdom.

Inflation Moderated, But Pressures Remain

Recent data show continued progress on inflation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices rose approximately 2.7%¹ year over year as of November 2025, down from earlier readings around 3% during the fall. While this marks meaningful improvement, prices remain elevated relative to pre‑pandemic norms, particularly for essentials such as housing, food, and utilities.

So What?

As stewards, we must adapt. Budgeting with discipline, planning for rising costs, and staying focused on margin protects our ability to give, save, and serve others. Faithful stewardship doesn’t ignore economic trends; it responds wisely.

Interest Rates Began to Ease, But Borrowing Costs Stayed High

After holding rates elevated for much of the year, the Federal Reserve began easing policy in the second half of 2025. Following several rate cuts, the federal funds target range now stands at approximately 3.50%–3.75%.² While this shift reflects cooling inflation, borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and business financing remain materially higher than in the prior decade.

Consumers and businesses adjusted to this environment by delaying large purchases, refinancing less frequently, and approaching leverage more cautiously.

So What?

Scripture encourages us to “count the cost” before we build (Luke 14:28). Even as rates come down, the experience of 2025 reinforces the importance of prudence in borrowing. Planning wisely today helps avoid unnecessary strain tomorrow.

Economic Growth Was Uneven and Globally Influenced

U.S. economic growth in 2025 followed an uneven path. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, real GDP declined at a 0.6% annual rate⁴ in the first quarter before rebounding to a 3.8% annualized increase³ in the second quarter. This pattern reflected the economy’s adjustment to tighter financial conditions and ongoing global uncertainty.

Meanwhile, global trade dynamics continued to shape domestic outcomes. Supply chain volatility, tariffs, and trade policy uncertainty disrupted sourcing strategies across industries. In 2025, more than 90% of supply chain leaders reported that tariffs and trade uncertainty materially affected⁷ operations, contributing to higher costs and less predictable delivery timelines.

So What?

Recognizing that economic growth is influenced by global forces reminds us to stay flexible. Stewardship is required not only in seasons of abundance but also amid disruption. Regularly reviewing financial goals, avoiding overextension, and maintaining margin can help households navigate unpredictable global shifts.

Growth Slowed and the Job Market Tightened

The labor market cooled meaningfully over the course of 2025. Hiring slowed, job searches lengthened, and the balance between labor supply and demand normalized. In July 2025, the number of unemployed workers roughly matched the number of available job openings⁵, a notable shift from prior years when openings far exceeded job seekers.

By late 2025, the unemployment rate had risen to approximately 4.6%⁶, the highest level in several years—still below the long term historical average, but clearly signaling softer labor conditions. Employers became more selective, and many companies slowed or paused expansion plans.

So What?

A tighter labor market underscores the importance of margin and adaptability. Financial, professional, and spiritual buffers allow us to remain steady when opportunities shift. Stewardship includes preparing for leaner seasons with the same intentionality we apply during times of growth.

Lessons from 2025

Proverbs 15:14 reminds us, “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.” Understanding economic realities isn’t about chasing headlines—it’s about living intentionally.

The 2025 economy reinforced a timeless truth: control is an illusion, but wisdom is not. We cannot dictate interest rates or economic cycles, but we can choose how we respond. Cultivating wisdom means pausing, praying, and planning with purpose.

Economic conditions will continue to change, but our calling remains the same. As stewards, we are invited to live with clarity, humility, and generosity—whatever the market does.

REFERENCES:
1 – Bureau of Labor Statistics. Consumer Price Index – November 2025.
2 – Federal Reserve. Federal Open Market Committee Statements, 2025.
3 – Bureau of Economic Analysis. Gross Domestic Product – Q2 2025 (Third Estimate).
4 – Bureau of Economic Analysis. Gross Domestic Product – Q1 2025 (Third Estimate).
5 – Bureau of Labor Statistics. TED: One Unemployed Person per Job Opening in July 2025.
6 – Financial Times. U.S. unemployment rises as labor market cools, November 2025.
7 – Fictiv. 10th Annual State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report, 2025.