[Christian Viewpoint] Why am I spending this money?
Money spent is a laundry list of what we value.
"Put your money where your mouth is."If Faith becomes action, then our Faith will inevitably show up in our finances. What does my budget say about my Faith?
As a follower of the teachings of the Bible, I would like mine to say that I value what God values.
What does He value? Does He think about my purchases??
My financial whiz of a dad was reviewing my monthly budget recently, and he looked up from the computer, casually announcing, "You know you believe lies about how God thinks about your finances, right?"
*Gulp*
My analytical side got the better of me. Two cups of coffee later, I was furiously scribbling down all the phrases I associated with God and finances. There, sitting on my porch, the scribbles told a surprising story of mistrust in God.
The first underlying thought that I associated with God and money was that God did not want me to buy things for enjoyment, only necessity.
That His thoughts towards resources were utilitarian, not relational. This fueled an unconscious guilt trip in my head, every time I made nonessential purchases, like makeup or got my hair done.
Realizing I had false assumptions about God and money was not a comforting moment.
However, my curiosity was greater than my discomfort. Scouring the Bible for answers, I saw a pattern emerging, contrary to my assumptions.
God is protecting us from ourselves, when He warns that money is the root of all evil.
Our desire for money or possessions can easily replace our desire for God, and then we lose sight of where God is leading us. We become blinded by our own desires.
And when purchases bring us security or status in the eyes of the world, our hope is no longer in God, and we will only seek more possessions to cover our fear and insecurities.
Whether the purchase is $5 or 1 million dollars, if it serves as a coping mechanism or idol to replace Him, I don't think God can bless that purchase.
"Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a good bargain. I love being able to change my entire wardrobe, on practically pennies. I also think it's wildly important to live within my means. But I can't be truly frugal or financially stable, if my hopes are fixated on accumulating items or wealth.
With my coffee getting colder, I sat on the porch, working my way through the Bible. I stumbled on 1 Timothy 6:17.
If I live with this financial mindset, I truly believe my life can be prosperous,
"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy."
- 1 Timothy 6:17
Cover photo
by @ktnewms
