Saturday August 27, 2011

Read Proverbs 6:6-11; 30:24-25; cf. 13:11, 22; 21:20; 22:3

Saving and Investing

Joseph wisely counselled Pharaoh to store up grain while it was available so that Egypt could draw on these resources in more difficult times (Genesis 41:33-36).

The Proverbs use the ant to illustrate the wisdom of gathering and storing provisions for future needs (Proverbs 6:6-11; 30:24-25; cf. 13:11, 22; 21:20; 22:3). Saving requires the discipline of limiting present expenditures to provide for future needs.

Denial is not popular in a culture that tells us to indulge our appetites, but Scripture counsels us to pursue a path of moderation and self-control (Proverbs 21:17; 23:20-21; 24:27).

Savings are beneficial because they provide a reserve that can be used to pay for unexpected expenses and assist others in special needs. They also enable us to make major purchases without going into debt and paying interest. In addition, savings provide a resource for making investments. However, we should be aware of the built-in danger in savings and investments: they tempt us to put our trust and affection in them rather than God. Believers should never "fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17; 6:10). "He who trusts in his riches will fall" (Proverbs 11:28a).

 

The Scriptures warn us to avoid risky investments and get-rich-quick schemes. "A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished. . . A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth, and does not know that want will come upon him" (Proverbs 28:20, 22). Money is made gradually, not hastily: "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty" (Proverbs 21:5; cf. 13:11; 24:3-4). Investing should be done wisely and systematically (Matthew 25:14-29; Luke 19:12-24).

It is wise to practice caution and diversification in investments to minimize risk (Ecclesiastes 5:13-14, 19; 11:2).

 

A Heritage for Children

We are responsible to leave an inheritance to our children (Proverbs 13:22; 2 Corinthians 12:14b), but the biggest heritage we can give them is to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Child training (Proverbs 22:6) should include the principles of stewardship and money management. Teaching is necessary, but it must be reinforced by example. Our attitudes toward the spending and saving of money will have a deep influence on the attitudes our children develop. If we are financially undisciplined or materialistic, we will inevitably communicate this to our children, even if our words are otherwise.

Use graduated allowances to teach responsibility in handling money. You may want to show young children how to budget by using a system of envelopes: one for spending, one for saving, and another for sharing. You should also encourage them to earn additional money by doing extra jobs (e.g., washing the car, babysitting, a paper route). Avoid overindulgence--it cheapens the value of money and causes children to lose incentive. Let them set money aside and work for certain things they want so they are not given everything.

REFLECTIONS

1. What is the biblical meaning of stewardship? What is the most basic responsibility of stewardship?

2. What is your attitude toward ownership? Have you fully surrendered your time, talents, and treasure to the Lord?

3. What are you really devoted to? To what extent is your heart set on earthly rather than heavenly treasures? Are you content with what you have?

4. Has your view of debt changed or remained the same after going through this material? If it has changed, are there any adjustments you need to make?

5. Are you using a budget to plan and control spending? If so, is it realistic and flexible?

 

Prayer:

> Pray that you will be set free to be a true and genuine disciple of Christ Jesus. Pray that you will see sin minimised in your life; pray this for others in your congregation.

> Pray that you will be open to helping others within the body of Christ that need assistance either physically or spiritually.

> Praise God for all the blessings in your life and pray that God will bless those around you that are struggling.

> Continue to pray for the challenge against Chaplaincy in Schools, and pray that God’s name will be victorious.