Good Stewards

Given the state of the economy these days, it's hard not to think about money. Maybe you are one of those who are fortunate to have more than enough, but chances are, you have at least had to cut back a little. Having gotten married recently, finances have become a major discussion in our household. It's difficult when one spouse likes to spend and the other likes to save. We do pretty good meeting in the middle for the most part, but there are some fundamental differences in how we view money.

Lately, I have been pondering the meaning of money from a Christian perspective. It is my belief that whatever we have been given is not really ours to keep, but rather is on loan from God. He has granted us money not just so that we may have food, clothing and shelter, but also so that we may glorify His Kingdom. For example, if we tithe and give charitable donations, we are glorifying Him. Now, is that to say that we should never be self-indulgent? I honestly don't know. On the one hand, we work hard, so shouldn't we be able to enjoy the money we earn? On the other hand, how can we spoil ourselves with meaningless material items when there are people in this world who do not even have their basic needs met?

It occurred to me the other day that our dog and cat live higher quality lives than many people in this world. They have shelter--the dog has a sweater and a ski jacket, and even sleeps in our bed with us at night--plenty of food and treats, and regular healthcare (including dental!). How many people in countries like Haiti and Bolivia can say that?

I sponsor a young boy from Africa through the Christian Children's Fund. He sleeps on a straw mat each night. My dog actually sleeps in a more comfortable bed than this young boy! So how can I go out and buy all kinds of meaningless stuff and feel good about that? On the flip side, I cannot possibly solve all of the world's problems or eradicate poverty by myself.

A couple of years ago, I took a trip to a border town in Mexico on a missions trip with my church. We had set up a health clinic there for two days. We saw over 400 men, women and children. Most of them were very, very poor. But you know what? They were happy. And the children were very loved. So we look at them and see that they don't have comfy couches and Nintendo and feel so sorry for them, but they don't feel deprived of that stuff. Why not? Because they've never known that kind of life. How can you miss a lifestyle you've never had! Sure, I'd love to have a yacht and a vacation home in Europe, but since I've never had those things, I'm not thinking about them day after day and feeling sorry for myself. I think it's the same thing. The only thing these "poor" people in Mexico lack that we don't is material items. They have their faith in God, they have their families, and they have lots and lots of love. And as for food, clothing and shelter? They manage. They get by. And I bet you that they are ten times more grateful for what they do have than you and I are. So should we really feel sorry for them?

I apologize for my tangent. I'm thinking/writing in circles here. My original intent was to ask what does it mean to be a good steward of God's money. Any thoughts?

God Bless!