It’s important that we save money to ensure we’re prepared for the future, but if we’re too focused on saving our money, we’re not using it to be generous to others. Balance is key. Firstly, we need to make sure we’re not spending all our money and saving nothing for our future, and the futures of our loved ones. The Bible says: ‘The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.’ If we’re quick to spend everything we earn, we’ll be less prepared for unexpected expenses or needs that arise. Savings can help us plan ahead with our finances. However, if we’re always saving our money because we’re either wanting to build up riches or because we’re afraid of not having enough in the future, then we need to address these issues. Building up riches should not be our aim. We should be aiming to live God’s way, which means we should be generous and sacrificial. We need to be focused on God and His kingdom, not our earthly riches. Jesus said: ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal’ (Matthew 6:19-20 NIV). If we’re saving because we’re afraid, then we need to hand our fears and doubts over to God and ask Him to help us believe that He’ll always provide for us. God wants us to live life to the full now, and that sometimes means giving or spending some of the money we’ve been blessed with. Whether we’re spending or saving, we need to have a good balance and keep God as our priority.

What Now?

Collect small change in a jar for a month. At the end of the month, donate the amount you’ve saved to charity.