Stewardship Versus Hoarding, Part 1
July 6, 2008 – 6:52 amI’ve been struggling with a question for quite some time now: Where do I draw the line between saving for the future and hoarding?
This is the first part of a two part series on this topic. My thoughts on this topic may come out a bit disjointed, so please bear with me, and chime in if you have an opinion on any part of this post.
Below are some of the thoughts I’ve been having on this subject.
I Am Blessed
My wife and I are clearly blessed. We have a roof over our heads, we both have jobs, and we’re both healthy. We’re so blessed we have a room in our house we don’t use (i.e. a guest room!). 
We’re also able to save some money on a consistent basis (although not anywhere close to 51% of our net income like some people). We save for the future, but as U.S. citizens we have a high standard of living compared to most people in the world. I question whether I are doing enough to help those in need.
Attitude is Everything
I think that the question of hoarding, like a lot of things, comes down to attitude. There are several reasons people save and invest money, including:
- security
- power
- envy of others
- greed
- preparation for the future
- to reach a short term goal
I definitely lean towards the “security” angle of these choices. I save and invest to be a good steward of what God has given me, but deep down in my heart I also think that saving more money will somehow make me more secure. I know on some level that it won’t, but I feel it will. I also tend to be a worrier, and in that regard I think I’m insulating my wife from hard times by storing away funds for the future.
I Wonder If Giving Is My Spiritual Gift
Can you have a gift of the spirit that you don’t like to use? After reading the savings 10% post at FMF, I realize that I don’t save nearly as much as some people. But I am able to save consistently, which I’m sure puts me ahead of the pack on both the American and global front. I think most people in America COULD save if they adjusted their lifestyle and made it a priority, but let’s not stray off topic. Thinking globally for a minute, if I’m able to save and others’ cannot, don’t I have an obligation to help those in need? And there are people here in the U.S. that are clearly in need as well.
How do you draw the line between preparing for the future and hoarding? Come back next Sunday for the second part of this two part series.
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3 Responses to “Stewardship Versus Hoarding, Part 1”
We just finished a 6 week course of the Good $ense Ministry at our church. Some great questions like these were asked. Very tough questions to ask of ourselves. We all want to be prepared for long term health care and unknown expenses. What is enough. 1 million, 2 million? Can we even put a dollar amount on security? Balancing faith and savings is a tough one.
By
Scott (Who am I?) on Jul 6, 2008
Saving is something that I really stuggle with, but I know it means I will have money available when I need it.
By
Tom - StandOutBlogger.com (Who am I?) on Jul 8, 2008
Todd,
First, it is awesome that you are asking these types of questions. Sadly a lot of US Christians get stuck at trying to survive paycheck to paycheck and don’t even get that far do the path on financial security. Something we as bloggers hope to change.
For me, I think attitude plays a huge part. Money is a tool provided by God to be used not hoarded. With that said it can be used in many different ways. Providing a comfort level for you and your family, such that you can pursue dreams that impact that world is a great use of money. Saving to the point were you are relying on the money for security rather than God defeats the purpose.
If I get ten million dollars is it better to give it away or invest it and use the profits to give away infinitely. Those are personal questions which I am not sure there is a right or wrong answer. I don’t think the latter is hoarding.
The goal IMO is that we have an attitude and plans that are designed to meet others needs whatever form that takes.
Finally, my last thought is that it is a journey. It is ok to fail and learn, but always keep growing.
By
The Happy Rock (Who am I?) on Jul 9, 2008