If we knew that one day we would give account for what we did with our resources, would that change the way we use them? Would that make us rethink how we spend our money?
As Americans we need to be reminded that we are living in a land of abundance. We are living in the wealthiest nation in the world in a time where our stewardship decisions are not only critical for ourselves but for those around us. It is ironic that, despite our wealth, we are a country full of debt, uncontrollable consumption and tight hands unwilling to give generously to those in need. , Most American Christians only tithe two percent of their income, according to a study by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, and sadly enough it is in this country where the health and wealth gospel probably began.
We need to be reminded that we are called to be good stewards of the gifts we have received and of the resources we have around us. We don’t like to talk about accountability in topics such as time and money because then we realize how far off the mark we are. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus paints a picture of how a man did nothing with the talent his master gave him. All he did was bury it. There is nothing God gives that is simply meant to be buried or unused. The servant in the parable of the talents did not realize that he would be held accountable for his, nor did he realize that the talent he had was given to him to bless others. In 2 Corinthians, chapters eight and nine, Paul teaches us to be generous and to give to others because of what we have and because of others’ needs. Paul states that if we sow sparingly we will reap the same way.
If we acknowledge God as the creator and owner of everything in this world we should realize we really don’t own anything. Despite how hard we work for our paychecks it is only through God that we have what we have. When we toil for our paycheck it is God who has given us the energy to work hard. It all comes back to thanking God for what we have and understanding that it is all his. Job understood this when he said that God gives and takes away material possessions. It is all given by God. But going beyond recognizing that all we have is given from God we must also understand we are given the responsibility to use our resources for a good cause, ultimately to glorify him. When we spend money on ourselves it is not a bad thing because God is providing a way of taking care of our needs. But just as God has blessed us with being able to provide for our needs we can also help in providing for the needs of others. We have to be careful in labeling things as wants or needs.
Some would say that as college students we have not started living life and therefore should not start practicing money management and generosity. This is a false idea. What the Bible teaches us does not only apply to sections of our lives but throughout our entire lives. This is a principle that I had the opportunity to learn about through Faith and Money, a class taught by Rick Bee. As believers we should be tithing faithfully and saving a little stash for when the needs of others come up. As for money management, we need to live within our means. Creating a budget is something beneficial. Budgeting with our expenses by percentages helps in situations where our income fluctuates.
After being taught in Faith and Money about glorifying God with my resources, I have taken the challenge of tithing and creating a pot for charity more seriously and have learned that God is faithful with providing for my needs and generosity is a joy. By no means am I a perfect steward of my resources, but I do know that it is better to begin this process now and take the opportunity to bless others financially in my present state.
