Encore: HABITS, part 2, with Reagan McClenny and Adam Shanks

March 4, 2026·21 min·2 clips

Hal Hammons discusses why financial mismanagement reveals deeper faith issues with guests Adam Shanks and Reagan McClain.

This episode is part two of a series on habits, specifically examining financial habits through a Christian lens. Host Hal Hammons introduces guests Adam Shanks, author of 'In God We Trust', and Reagan McClain, a preacher from Lufkin, Texas. The discussion begins with why people struggle with financial matters, comparing it to other areas like diet where results are slower to show. Reagan McClain emphasizes that Jesus' teachings in the New Testament focus on attitude toward money rather than practical management, citing Luke 16:10 about faithfulness in small things. Adam Shanks shares personal anecdotes, including his goal to lose 43 pounds and how instant decisions like buying on Amazon reveal true priorities. Hal Hammons connects habit formation to rational decision-making, arguing that habits help align actions with values by pre-making choices. The conversation shifts to philosophical frameworks, referencing C.S. Lewis's 'The Abolition of Man' and the Platonic idea of head (reason), belly (passion), and chest (spiritual purpose) as a tiebreaker. Adam illustrates this with a guitar purchase dilemma, showing how external advice can be misleading without a higher purpose. The group discusses self-control, with Reagan suggesting it's more about establishing boundaries and habits ahead of time rather than sheer willpower. They reference biblical passages like 1 Corinthians 10:13 on the 'way of escape' from temptation and Matthew 7:13-14 on the narrow gate. The episode ties back to budgeting as a practical habit that narrows choices and simplifies decision-making. Throughout, the theme recurs that financial habits are a mirror of spiritual discipline and heart transformation.

As heard by us

A practical, faith-forward look at money habits, self-control, and everyday financial discipline.

Citizen of Heaven frames a familiar struggle in plain terms: money. Hal Hammons joins Adam Shanks and Reagan McClain for a conversation about budgeting, self-discipline, and the way spending can quietly expose what someone values.

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Why you'd press play

When your money decisions need a pre-made path, this one ties budgeting to faith, self-discipline, and habit.

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