"Capital (n): accumulated possessions calculated to bring in income; a store of useful assets or advantages."
Financial capital is critical to grow any for-profit enterprise which in turn funds most not-for-profit groups. Yet financial capital is the last step—not the first step—in the process of capital maximization.
Here are the five steps spirit-led believers must follow to maximize your financial capital.
Five Steps to Financial Capital
1. Spiritual Capital
"But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own authority. But He will speak whatever He hears, and He will tell you things that are to come" (John 16:13).
Holy Spirit is the Spirit-led believer's pathway to supernatural answers to the problems no human can solve, opportunities, creativity, innovation and productivity. Through fully connecting with and unleashing the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16) living within you, His revelation, wisdom, insight and power propel you into all other forms of capital.
2. Relational Capital
"Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her" (Prov. 4:8).
As your spiritual capital grows, God honors you with new connections, fresh opportunities and unforeseen relationships with men and women of power and influence. In business, your relational capital boils down to, "Who returns your calls?" Your relation capital in large part is based upon the strength of your spiritual capital.
Here is where the supernatural connections of your spiritual capital manifests through unlocking doors of new influence, friendships and relational impact.
3. Reputational Capital
"Do you see a man diligent in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men" (Prov. 22:29).
Reputational capital is your professional and personal brand, the credibility attained through your accumulative work, skills or perceived market value.
Do not underestimate the potential leverage of your reputational capital. Recently a local group of business leaders whom I had never met knew all about me—my books, speaking, consulting, coaching and national reputation. I was humbled yet reminded that my reputational capital was more valuable to these men than anything I might know or my access to money.
Remember that your extreme skill in your profession opens amazing doors of access and influence.
4. Educational Capital
"A wise man will hear and will increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel" (Prov. 1:5).
Educational capital includes all your acquired formal and informal learning. Whether high school, trade school, graduate school or professional certifications, educational capital gives you a foundation upon which to leverage your future financial capital growth.
5. Financial Capital
"But you must remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth" (Deut. 8:18a).
Financial capital is all your current or potential access to monetary resources. Ultimately, the Lord is the one who gives you the power to get wealth. He is absolutely in favor of your financial and life prosperity, but not as the sole focus or goal of your life.
In fact, I contend financial capital is the least important of the five. Why?
If I have access to vast sums of capital but am considered void of educational credentials with a lousy reputation and minimal positive connections or spiritual foundation, I am of little use to anyone expect those completely devoid of faith, principles and integrity.
Best Path to Grow Financial Capital
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you" (Matt. 6:33).
Jesus said it himself. Focus first on growing your spiritual capital, and as you do, then all other forms of capital are sure to follow, including your financial capital. 
Dr. Jim Harris is a speaker, adviser and coach to faith-based leaders around the world. He is the author of 14 award-winning business books including Our Unfair Advantage: Unleash the Power of the Holy Spirit in Your Business. Download his FREE tool, 55 Critical Resources for Believers in Business. Connect with Dr. Jim on Facebook LinkedIn & Twitter.
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