Comments on: Spending Money and Guilt: A Christian Conversation

By: Ying

Ying — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:48:09 +0000

I am very blessed financially by God. On the one hand I really believe that God will use me and the wealth which he gives to me for good purpose in the future. So I learn how to invest and give to help needy. On the other side I feel that Jesus is the example of how perfectly manage the resources. What we do now is very far from the example. However we should go towards that example. And as a truly believer we will surely go that direction.

Therefore it is not a question of what percentage we should spend on ourselves and give out. But a question of which direction are you heading for. Will God say: you are more like Jesus ? or Are you more and more away from God/Jesus?

By: Craig

Craig — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 06:06:58 +0000

Here’s how I would answer your question (quoting from the article):
“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. “

By: Confused as well

Confused as well — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 19:18:53 +0000

I’m confused. Agree said “The real joy is seeing someone else be blessed.” Does that mean I will work and work and work and just give my money away?

I’m a hardworking person and I earn a lot of money. I give money to church and the needy. I still have money for luxuries. Do I have to be guilty because I can afford to travel? That I can afford a nice car?

By: Agree

Agree — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 08:57:43 +0000

I agree with concerned.
I do agree with Craig that we should enjoy the blessings of God but you have got the enjoyment bit all wrong. What enjoyment is there in a car? Short lived. The real joy is seeing someone else be blessed. Using our finances to bless someone is enjoyment that has eternal rewards! Don’t be fooled. The rich will not enter heaven. It is the attitide and what we do with it. Do we waste our food? Do we carelessly spend when peakish? Do we think of others and go without for their sake? Really, are any of us living for God with all we have??

By: Craig

Craig — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:54:51 +0000

@Concerned
1 Tim. 6:17 does say, “to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”. That is a curious statement in the midst of Paul’s warning to the rich. To use money for enjoyment seems to be a reason why God give riches.
In the case of this family, I noticed one spiritual danger in my own heart and that was judging them. Do I have that right? Is there any spiritual value in that action? I’m called to manage my finances and my household, not the household of others.
There are certainly a lot of people in the Bible with who God was well please who had a lot of earthly possessions.

By: Nate

Nate — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:32:42 +0000

To finish Concerned’s sentence:

it gets thrown into the fire.

By: concerned

concerned — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:14:36 +0000

Consumption is out of control in the West, and it has invaded our churches. Many churches have become dispensers of good and services aimed at winning the commitment (or maintaining the loyalty) of those who are “church shopping”. A comment on the guy who owns 3 Lexuses: you miss the point, it’s not about how much you give, but about how much you keep for yourself (widow’s mite, Mk 12). Who gave the guy the means, ability, opportunity, etc. to earn so much money??? Why did God give it to him? One is hard pressed to find biblical justification for purchasing three Lexuses for oneself with so much need in the world (not to mention, what kind of testimony it presents). Wisdom encourages us to live simple (not poverty stricken, just normal) lives and use EVERYTHING that God gives us to make Jesus look good in this broken world. Furthermore, why would one want to invest (waste) significant resources in things that have no eternal value??? I know, I always here the tax deduction justification, but is that real motive behind purchasing three Lexuses??? I always comes back to motive (1) to make Jesus look good, or (2) any other reason. That’s why we’re here guys! Pretty soon He’s coming back and all this stuff, well…

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:13:31 +0000

@Donna
Thanks for you kinds words. I pray God will bless you and give you wisdom in this difficult time.

By: Donna

Donna — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:59:49 +0000

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.

By: Can you really make money by blogging?

Can you really make money by blogging? — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:01:42 +0000

[...] about my own spiritual journey with money. For example, I’ve been able to address topics liks Christians, spending, and guilt. I have even changed some of my own views about the Bible and money. The blog is a catalyst for [...]