Stewardship is about giving, saving, and … spending money. As godly stewards, we must approach how we use God's resources from a biblical perspective.
First, be careful when spending money on pleasures. God has made us to enjoy his world, knowing that "every good gift … is from above…." Then what is the problem? When pleasures become idols and dethrone God.
Second, exercise wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 24:3-4 instructs the godly man that by wisdom, a house is not only built and established but also its "rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." With God's help — and as you seek him in prayer for wisdom, not only in purchasing homes and cars but also small items (when was the last time you prayed for God's wisdom while shopping for groceries?) — it is good and proper to fill our homes with furnishings, art, décor, etc.
Third, take care of what God gives us. This means spending money. Too often, we do not spend money to take care of our property.
Fourth, guard against wasteful, impulsive purchases. According to Proverbs 21:20, a foolish man squanders the storehouses of food and oil. In Hebrew, the word squander literally means "swallow." The idea is that precious resources are impulsively consumed without thought of tomorrow
Finally, learn to be content. Discontentment can show up in our spending habits: going out to dinner, taking vacations, visiting theaters to relieve boredom, discontentment, insecurity, or a host of other ills. The antidote is the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 15:16, 17 reminds us that little is better with the fear of the Lord than a lavish banquet with hatred, teaching us biblical priorities and contentment. |
