The world’s economy is driven by a fear of loss. We’re told to “save for a rainy day” because even if times are good now, bad times are probably just around the corner. Hoarding is not uncommon, because you just never know what might go wrong and it’s best to be prepared.
Jesus told a parable with an example of this... Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” — Luke 12:16-21
We see people like that farmer all the time. Whenever something good happens and they see a good harvest they stock pile it up for later. Please know there is nothing wrong with saving. But when saving is driven by a fear of loss, that is an indicator that our hearts are being motivated by the world’s cursed system instead of by the Kingdom of God.
In contrast, the Kingdom of God is powered by generosity. And why wouldn’t a Kingdom minded person be generous when God is blessing us out of his abundance? Not only that, but God promises to return to us that which we give a way out of compassion. He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. — Proverbs 19:17 When you know God is going to get it back to you anyway it is so much easier to be generous. Our generosity is part of our godly character as believers.
Comments