Comments on: What Does the Bible Teach About Saving Money? http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/ Frugal, Simple, Debt-Free Living, and Generous Giving Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:06:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Craig Ford http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/comment-page-1/#comment-16275 Craig Ford Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:16:40 +0000 http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/#comment-16275 You are most welcome. You are most welcome.

]]> By: Robert Nyarko, Apam-Ghana http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/comment-page-1/#comment-16274 Robert Nyarko, Apam-Ghana Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:05:07 +0000 http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/#comment-16274 Thanks for the education. I have the task of making a presentation to the youth of my church here in Ghana on savings and investment and I found your article and the subsequent comments very helpful and insightful. Thanks for the education. I have the task of making a presentation to the youth of my church here in Ghana on savings and investment and I found your article and the subsequent comments very helpful and insightful.

]]> By: emma http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/comment-page-1/#comment-15733 emma Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:08:42 +0000 http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/#comment-15733 God rightly put it to us that "we shall be the lender and not the borrower" is when you have enough savings ( left overs). I believe the word of God on saving is personal, depend on your calling and direction from God. The parable of the five wise virgin at (Matthew 25:1-13) of course, reminds us that we should have extra saving in case of unforeseen expenses. "don't be mindful of tomorrow" doesn't mean we should be like that of other five foolish virgins. Jacob was able to prepare the food faster, and receive blessing from Isaac before Esau could get back from hunting, because he had savings in herd. The truth here is, we should put God first even in our saving habits. God rightly put it to us that “we shall be the lender and not the borrower” is when you have enough savings ( left overs). I believe the word of God on saving is personal, depend on your calling and direction from God. The parable of the five wise virgin at (Matthew 25:1-13) of course, reminds us that we should have extra saving in case of unforeseen expenses. “don’t be mindful of tomorrow” doesn’t mean we should be like that of other five foolish virgins. Jacob was able to prepare the food faster, and receive blessing from Isaac before Esau could get back from hunting, because he had savings in herd. The truth here is, we should put God first even in our saving habits.

]]> By: Craig http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/comment-page-1/#comment-13512 Craig Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:06:57 +0000 http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/#comment-13512 Kenny, Keep asking your questions because I think that will help you find the right answer. My statement regarding bank accounts was to emphasize the fact that we can see actions, but not judge motivations. Too often we focus on evaluating what others are doing with money when we could be asking how God want us to answer our call. If you decided to give away everything you earn (because you believe God is calling you to that) then God will take care of you. There are some who do not save because they use it in wild and wasteful living (Prodical Son). That only shows a lack of self-control. As far as the NT, there were wealthy people who were members of the churches and not all gave everything. Luke 18 the Rich Young Ruler was asked to give 100 %, but in the next chapter (19) the Wee Little Man gave away 50% and Jesus was satisfied. Pricilla and Aquilla seemed to be people of wealth. They had a home that they owned and hosted a church. They had the means to travel to and from Rome. The underlying question you seem to be asking is does saving for myself mean that I no longer trust in God to provide. Unfortunately, that question would take too long to answer here. Perhaps I'll address it in a blog post. Kenny,
Keep asking your questions because I think that will help you find the right answer.
My statement regarding bank accounts was to emphasize the fact that we can see actions, but not judge motivations. Too often we focus on evaluating what others are doing with money when we could be asking how God want us to answer our call.

If you decided to give away everything you earn (because you believe God is calling you to that) then God will take care of you. There are some who do not save because they use it in wild and wasteful living (Prodical Son). That only shows a lack of self-control.

As far as the NT, there were wealthy people who were members of the churches and not all gave everything. Luke 18 the Rich Young Ruler was asked to give 100 %, but in the next chapter (19) the Wee Little Man gave away 50% and Jesus was satisfied.
Pricilla and Aquilla seemed to be people of wealth. They had a home that they owned and hosted a church. They had the means to travel to and from Rome.

The underlying question you seem to be asking is does saving for myself mean that I no longer trust in God to provide. Unfortunately, that question would take too long to answer here. Perhaps I’ll address it in a blog post.

]]> By: Kenny http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/comment-page-1/#comment-13496 Kenny Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:15:08 +0000 http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/#comment-13496 Thanks for responding to my questions. I will continue to give this prayer and thought. Maybe it is just me a "some" others that seemed to become consumed with their money in the bank...I guess I see so many worrying about the economy, jobs, the president, darkness in the world, the antichrist, etc. and it seems often that many of us Christians are spending more time preparing for our future in this world, than our future in the next. Jesus tells us to "watch and pray". That's not to say that I am predicting Jesus' return...this has been done SO many times, but as we see the birth pains increasing and Jesus' return in the sky growing nearer, it seems that we could put our money to better use. Give to Caesar what is Caesar's. Money is practical, but it has on it the face of our presidents' past, and it belongs ultimately to government. Putting it to use as often as possible as the time grows ever nearer seems to make more sense to me. I cannot take it with me and from experience I have seen many save money for news houses, better cars, toys, etc. As far as a college fund, why not trust and teach our children to work hard for scholarships and then all the saving is not necessary (I would even argue some of the tuition, room and board is even excess). I'm not saying there is no place for having a few extra dollars, but I just still haven't found a good, clear picture from the scriptures that we should save thousands and thousands, 10% a month, or any certain large amount of money. I guess the biggest thing is it seems like trusting God with our money and with our children would be two of the biggest areas to trust God in our lives and yet in some ways saving (especially large amounts) seems to go completely against trusting. Didn't the New Testament church in ACTS bring together all their goods and share freely, truly possessing nothing? Have we not traveled a long way in the wrong direction from that in modern western civilization with so many wants now being considered needs? And, how many pastors would tell their congregation to trust the Lord by tithing even when they weren't going to make ends meet that month without divine intervention, yet at the same time in a sense contradict that sort of trusting (for future provision) by stressing the importance of saving? Surely God will honor the heart that freely receives and freely gives... I really do appreciate it, and I don't completely disagree, but I still have so many questions...Am I completely missing the boat? Thanks for responding to my questions. I will continue to give this prayer and thought. Maybe it is just me a “some” others that seemed to become consumed with their money in the bank…I guess I see so many worrying about the economy, jobs, the president, darkness in the world, the antichrist, etc. and it seems often that many of us Christians are spending more time preparing for our future in this world, than our future in the next. Jesus tells us to “watch and pray”. That’s not to say that I am predicting Jesus’ return…this has been done SO many times, but as we see the birth pains increasing and Jesus’ return in the sky growing nearer, it seems that we could put our money to better use. Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. Money is practical, but it has on it the face of our presidents’ past, and it belongs ultimately to government. Putting it to use as often as possible as the time grows ever nearer seems to make more sense to me. I cannot take it with me and from experience I have seen many save money for news houses, better cars, toys, etc. As far as a college fund, why not trust and teach our children to work hard for scholarships and then all the saving is not necessary (I would even argue some of the tuition, room and board is even excess).

I’m not saying there is no place for having a few extra dollars, but I just still haven’t found a good, clear picture from the scriptures that we should save thousands and thousands, 10% a month, or any certain large amount of money. I guess the biggest thing is it seems like trusting God with our money and with our children would be two of the biggest areas to trust God in our lives and yet in some ways saving (especially large amounts) seems to go completely against trusting. Didn’t the New Testament church in ACTS bring together all their goods and share freely, truly possessing nothing? Have we not traveled a long way in the wrong direction from that in modern western civilization with so many wants now being considered needs? And, how many pastors would tell their congregation to trust the Lord by tithing even when they weren’t going to make ends meet that month without divine intervention, yet at the same time in a sense contradict that sort of trusting (for future provision) by stressing the importance of saving? Surely God will honor the heart that freely receives and freely gives…

I really do appreciate it, and I don’t completely disagree, but I still have so many questions…Am I completely missing the boat?

]]> By: Craig http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/comment-page-1/#comment-13491 Craig Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:52:36 +0000 http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/#comment-13491 Kenny, Great questions. I love the way you are thinking and trying to develop your own biblically based assumptions. I pray that God leads you as you explore this topic. I’ll start from the end and work my way forward. Would Jesus open a bank account? I’d say most certainly. He had the modern day equivalent called a moneybag. Judas was the one he designated as his treasurer and accountant. People who have money in the bank are usually more worried about protecting it at all costs. That may or may not be true, but it might also be assuming the worst in people. I’d like to believe that I don’t spend my time worrying about my bank account and protecting it at all costs. God will protect our needs We must remember the context of Luke. I believe the passages of provision apply to those who follow the missionary call of Jesus Christ. They are people who are nervous about leaving their gardens and their family to follow Jesus. It’s not like you can get a job anywhere. Thus, they are forced to depend on fellow Christians to provide their needs. That can be scary and Jesus reminds his disciples not to worry. That said, if you decide not to save money and give it all away instead I believe God will provide for you, but I don’t think God is calling all Christians everywhere to do that. In 1 Tim. 5:8 the word for provide has an element of foresight. In other words we must ensure the provision of our families (today and tomorrow). Kenny,
Great questions. I love the way you are thinking and trying to develop your own biblically based assumptions. I pray that God leads you as you explore this topic.
I’ll start from the end and work my way forward.
Would Jesus open a bank account?
I’d say most certainly. He had the modern day equivalent called a moneybag. Judas was the one he designated as his treasurer and accountant.
People who have money in the bank are usually more worried about protecting it at all costs. That may or may not be true, but it might also be assuming the worst in people. I’d like to believe that I don’t spend my time worrying about my bank account and protecting it at all costs.
God will protect our needs
We must remember the context of Luke. I believe the passages of provision apply to those who follow the missionary call of Jesus Christ. They are people who are nervous about leaving their gardens and their family to follow Jesus. It’s not like you can get a job anywhere. Thus, they are forced to depend on fellow Christians to provide their needs. That can be scary and Jesus reminds his disciples not to worry. That said, if you decide not to save money and give it all away instead I believe God will provide for you, but I don’t think God is calling all Christians everywhere to do that.
In 1 Tim. 5:8 the word for provide has an element of foresight. In other words we must ensure the provision of our families (today and tomorrow).

]]> By: Kenny http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/comment-page-1/#comment-13482 Kenny Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:30:32 +0000 http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/#comment-13482 correction "all costs". It seems to consume more of their time, energy and thought to protect their nest egg... correction “all costs”. It seems to consume more of their time, energy and thought to protect their nest egg…

]]> By: Kenny http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/comment-page-1/#comment-13481 Kenny Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:28:05 +0000 http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/#comment-13481 Hello, Thanks for the intertesting article. I often wonder though about teachings on savings though. I have always been taught by my parents, and the church to save and it seems to make logical sense as I approach it with a modern western materialistic mind, but then I wonder if I am missing something from the character of Christ. First, I noticed that the 3 most convincing passages were quoted from the old testament, and all from the same book. I do however agree with another comment that the Luke and other new testament passages may have been slightly taken out of context and I might even agree with an interpretation more favorable towards saving, but I am undecided. I have no agenda, I do save and feel most secure saving, but I take concern with a few statements such as "with a reasonable savings, we will worry less and therefore it will put us on the right path." For a number of reasons I think this is false. #1 People who have money in the bank are usually worried about protecting it at all costs, and #2 It seems to contradict the passages in Luke that states that God loves us dearly and will supply all of our needs. I agree, squandering and hoarding are both negative things, but I have often wondered if I shouldn't live in the following way. Be a wise steward, prayerful and careful of how I spend every dollar, and then if I have a surplus, maybe I should be giving more at the beginning or end of month/year/week to further the gospel and help my brother. Then, and only then it would seem that I am truly free and trusting God and not the dollar to sustain my family and I. Not that I should tempt him, but that I should trust him in what he has provided. Many of us save for bigger "stuff" or for rainy day security, but I have a hard time seeing the true good in this....Would Jesus open a bank account? Hello,
Thanks for the intertesting article. I often wonder though about teachings on savings though. I have always been taught by my parents, and the church to save and it seems to make logical sense as I approach it with a modern western materialistic mind, but then I wonder if I am missing something from the character of Christ.

First, I noticed that the 3 most convincing passages were quoted from the old testament, and all from the same book. I do however agree with another comment that the Luke and other new testament passages may have been slightly taken out of context and I might even agree with an interpretation more favorable towards saving, but I am undecided.

I have no agenda, I do save and feel most secure saving, but I take concern with a few statements such as “with a reasonable savings, we will worry less and therefore it will put us on the right path.” For a number of reasons I think this is false. #1 People who have money in the bank are usually worried about protecting it at all costs, and #2 It seems to contradict the passages in Luke that states that God loves us dearly and will supply all of our needs.

I agree, squandering and hoarding are both negative things, but I have often wondered if I shouldn’t live in the following way. Be a wise steward, prayerful and careful of how I spend every dollar, and then if I have a surplus, maybe I should be giving more at the beginning or end of month/year/week to further the gospel and help my brother. Then, and only then it would seem that I am truly free and trusting God and not the dollar to sustain my family and I. Not that I should tempt him, but that I should trust him in what he has provided. Many of us save for bigger “stuff” or for rainy day security, but I have a hard time seeing the true good in this….Would Jesus open a bank account?

]]> By: Tim http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/comment-page-1/#comment-8516 Tim Mon, 13 Sep 2010 01:59:05 +0000 http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/#comment-8516 I believe that it is definitely Biblical to save as is indicated in some of the verses cited in this article. Others have already commented on how the other verses cited don't actually oppose saving when read in context. Many Bible verses could be sited about giving as well. I like to remember that everything I have has been given to me by God and that I am dependent on Him for everything. This perspective can be helpful in giving to God of our first fruits and keeping the love of money at bay. More Christian money matters are discussed on my blog at http://www.christiansaving.com. I believe that it is definitely Biblical to save as is indicated in some of the verses cited in this article. Others have already commented on how the other verses cited don’t actually oppose saving when read in context. Many Bible verses could be sited about giving as well. I like to remember that everything I have has been given to me by God and that I am dependent on Him for everything. This perspective can be helpful in giving to God of our first fruits and keeping the love of money at bay. More Christian money matters are discussed on my blog at http://www.christiansaving.com.

]]> By: The Bible on Business: « "It's Elementary, My Dear Watson!" http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/comment-page-1/#comment-1147 The Bible on Business: « "It's Elementary, My Dear Watson!" Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:33:33 +0000 http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-saving-money/#comment-1147 [...] - What Does the Bible Teach About Saving Money? [...] [...] – What Does the Bible Teach About Saving Money? [...]

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