Saving vs Hoarding

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com crossed the $100 billion net worth mark last November. But, he was ranked last in generosity among America’s top ten billionaires.

Bezos doesn’t have to worry about his next dollar. But if we work hard, even more so as Christians who trust our Provider, neither do we!

How about you? Are you anxious about money?

Jesus said “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? (Matthew 6:26-27)

The line between saving and hoarding is crossed when you stop trusting in God’s provision and fail to give to others. We’re to manage what He provides and prepare for the future while giving generously.

But, greed affects the way some spend money and the way others hoard it. Greed wants more, separates families and friendships, breeds dishonesty and prevents joyful, sacrificial giving.

Greed can be controlled when we humbly apply God’s principles and values to discern the true needs in our lives. Choosing to commit to a disciplined lifestyle and living in thanksgiving for what we have, regardless of the abundance of income, significantly reduces the danger of hoarding.

The fear of doing without in the future causes many Christians to rob God’s work of the very funds He has provided. The Bible encourages saving for the future, but the example of the rich fool makes it clear that God’s balance is this: when in doubt – give; don’t hoard!

I pity those who will have to face the Lord and explain why they worked so hard to buy “things” or hoarded money while others were suffering.

Jesus warned us, “Be on your guard against every form of greed…”

The Bible is full of advice, warnings, and guidelines for our finances. I want you to sign up for the online MoneyLife Personal Finance course . You can find it at crown.org/onlinestudy or by calling the Crown Help Line at 800-722-1976