1311527517_9a7fb91501When it comes to a Christian view of time & money, most people tend to extremes in one of two ways: either they are hoarding and miserly or they are far too lax. The Biblical perspective presents two tensions that true Christians must strive to live between. One is generosity (liberality). The other is discipline (budgeting). These two pull against one another.  My budget battles against a truly generous spirit and vice versa.  The challenge is to be wise AND charitable.

We know there is such a thing as too little faith? It’s like when you’ve added up the bills in your head and choose not to give this weekend because you’ve already got too much outgo.  BUT… Is there such a thing as too much faith?  Have you ever given your entire paycheck to God and expected Him to take care of the rest?  Where is the ‘happy medium’ here?

It’s tough sometimes to know how much to invest in certain situations. My cynicism usually justifies my stinginess, while God’s Spirit tugs me back into benevolence.  How I use my time will always affect the health of my relationships.  In much the same way, how I spend my money will reveal what is truly important. Will I use/spend it all for this life … or for the life to come?  As we seek to keep these opposing forces balanced and in check, we will glorify and honor Christ as good managers (stewards) of what God gives us.

Verses that help me with this:

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and
what doth the Lord require of thee, but
to do justly, and
to love mercy, and
to walk humbly with thy God?  Micah 6:8

As every man hath received the gift,
even so minister the same one to another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  1 Peter 4:10

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and
he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give;
not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.  2 Cor. 9:6-7

For which of you, intending to build a tower,
sitteth not down first, and
counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  Luke 14:28

If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?  Luke 16:11