Spending
There are several biblical principles that should influence our spending.
1. Learn to be content.The word contentment is mentioned seven times in Scripture, and six times it has to do with money. Paul wrote, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 1 have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:11-13). Paul "learned" to be content. We are not born content; rather, we learn contentment.
"If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:8). Biblical contentment is an inner peace that accepts what God has chosen for our present financial situation. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, `Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you "' (Hebrews 13:5).
2. Learn to avoid coveting.Coveting means craving another person's property, and it is prohibited in Scripture. The last of the Ten Commandments reads, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or his maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17). In other words, we are commanded not to covet anything that belongs to anyone!
Do not determine your spending by comparing it to others. Some spend more than they can afford because they want to spend as much as their friends can afford.
3. Live simply. Some possessions can demand so much time or money that they harm our relationship with the Lord and our loved ones. Scripture encourages us to live a quiet, simple life. "Make it Your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody" (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
4. Needs should be met within the body of Christ. The early church was a model of meeting needs. "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will he equality, as it is written: 'He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little "' (2 Corinthians 8:13-15).
5. Be aware of the influence of advertising. Many of us are exposed to advertising that creates discontentment with what we have. It often communicates the deceptive message that if we buy something we will be happy. However, the purpose of advertising is to prompt you to spend money. Seek the Lord's guidance and godly counsel when making a spending decision. If you think a purchase would not please God, do not buy it.
6. Develop and use a spending plan (budget).
We are encouraged to plan our spending and to be aware of our possessions. "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds" (Proverbs 27:23). Using a spending plan is a practical way to spend wisely.
[The text is from "Principles of Financial Success", a seminar presented by Crown Financial Ministries.]
