In that last couple of weeks I have read two books by Christian authors, and the underlying assumption about wealth is completely opposite. So today I am going to let them go head to head and duke it out.
In this corner weighing in at 160 pages, sporting a green cover with gold print is a 1991 book written by Dexter Yager with Ron Ball …
A Millionaire’s Common Sense Approach to Wealth
And in this corner weighing in at 157 pages, clothed in plain white and green text is a much older 1976 book written by Maxine Hancock (below I have linked the updated 2001 edition)…
Living on Less and Liking it More: How to reduce your spending and increase your living
Photo by Robyn Gallagher
Today let’s see what these two have to say about spending money and guilt.
First, we will allow Mr. Yager to introduce his position:
They say we should feel guilty as Americans because we consume so much of the world’s goods. (They fail to say that we also produce much of the world’s goods). These attitudes weaken achievement and the sense of personal motivation, which makes people feel guilty for building something and succeeding. One of the great principles in life is that if you’ve earned something, it is then a legitimate reward. You shouldn’t feel guilty for enjoying it (18-19).
So, what do you say, Mrs. Hancock?
While not all believers are being called to take such drastic action to change their life-styles, many are looking for ways to trim the budget, to be more conservative in their spending, and thus either to reduce their personal needs in order to live comfortably on a lower income, leaving them more time and energy for other pursuits compatible with their Christian commitment, or to leave themselves a wider margin of income over needs, from which they can share more bountifully with others (pg 19).
Specifically speaking of guilt, Hancock adds:
Nagging feelings of guilt about physical comforts should be banished if, first of all, the good things we have are not received at the expense of others; and second, if the good things we enjoy are truly within our means and are not just a result of setting ourselves adrift on a sea of credit (pg 29).
Now the referee weighs in:
@ Mr. Yager – consuming and producing are not mutually inclusive. There is nothing wrong with making money, lots of money. In fact, if you do your best and live biblical principles you are likely to make a lot of money. But, simply because one is a earner does not mean they need to consume all they earn.
I remember once having some negative feelings about a Christian couple who had three Lexuses. When I expressed my concern to someone in the know, they said, “What if I told you they give 90% of what they make?” I realized then that someone can have many more things than me and be a lot more generous. I don’t think that couple should feel guilty about what they own. I am also thankful that they have decided that they do not need to spend everything they earn on themselves.
@Hancock – yes, not all are called to such lifestyles. If you are going to trim and be conservative, do it for the sake of someone else. Allow your frugality to be a blessing to others.
@Hancock – I do think we need to have boundaries to our spending so we can properly define our spending within our means.
Both Yager and Hancock present legitimate points. Both can be equally unhealthy if taken to extremes. Furthermore, the reality is that we are each called to different actions and responsibilities with our financial resources. There is nothing wrong with enjoying ones wealth, as our wealth is a gift from God. Nevertheless, as Christians I believe there should be a limitation to our spending. I believe the more we earn, the more we should give. I’ll be honest. While I cognitively agree with Yager, I fundamentally relate to Hancock. I feel there is some true wisdom and legitimacy to her words. In fact, one of my goals with the blog is to help Christians get a handle on their finances, not so they can just spend more on themselves, but so ultimately they can be a benefit to the church and to others.
Now it’s your turn. Use the comments to share your views. What are your thoughts? Who has a better point?
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I believe wholeheartedly in 1 Timothy 6:17, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
So we are NOT to put our hope or faith in anything but God, but what he gives us, we should not feel guilty about enjoying (assuming we are giving our first fruits to Him… and hopefully striving to consistently increase our giving).
I’ve found in my own personal walk that by reducing what we spend, being more cognitive about our money and becoming more well off has also allowed us to be more generous in our giving. I think there’s a balance that needs to be found though – to make sure that the pursuit of wealth doesn’t become the sole goal since wealth can have a corrupting power.
If we become too materialistic we can start to see the blessings that God has given us as the end goal (not good) instead of wanting to live right and further his kingdom. We start becoming greedy, hoard, and will do anything to gain new wealth. That’s not where we should be.
Good discussion!
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“one of my goals with the blog is to help Christians get a handle on their finances, not so they can just spend more on themselves, but so ultimately they can be a benefit to the church and to others. ”
Amen – I couldn’t agree more!
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@ChristianPF Blogging is definitely more enjoyable when you get to enjoy some meaningful feedback and be of service to God’s kingdom.
Thanks for the great article! It was a subject not always covered in financial books. Even though I have recently been through serious tendon repair surgery and today the loss of my job because my family leave is over, I can say that I will continue to give to the best of my ability to further His kingdom and bless others. This is the least I can do given all that the Lord has blessed me with, including a emergency fund and supportive family and spouse. God bless you for your post. Keep up the good work.
@Donna
Thanks for you kinds words. I pray God will bless you and give you wisdom in this difficult time.