A Question about MONEY

[Michael]

I posted this in Bible Study, but have yet to receive a response, so I started the same thread here. Can anybody tell me why we should be using money?


The way I have always understood money in relation to Christianity is:

Stay away from it. The only times (that I know of) where money is mentioned in the Bible, it is with a negative connotation. God gave Abraham gold and silver (I think), but that was not necessarily with the intent to use it as money, was it?

I don't think the Apostles, Jesus, or anybody who was "good" actually tried to accumulate money or even use it at all. I might be wrong.

So, how can any Christian justify buying/saving more than is needed to live a Christian life? If one buys a car for $10,000, should he not have bought a car that costs even less and used the difference to help spread the word and to give to charity instead? What about an even cheaper car than that one? Where would it end? Well, I guess that depends on what you feel is necessary. But, I am having a hard time trying to justify having money at all. When God said we should work for six days and rest on the seventh, I think He meant we should work to grow food and build shelter and maintain crops (food) and livestock; not to go out and collect a paycheck by any means necessary.

What am I missing here?

[flicka]

What about Job and Solomon who were both very wealthy men and that money was given to them by God. Just two examples out of many I'm sure.

I do not think money should control your life, but I see nothing wrong with using or having it.

The bible says:

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Tim 6:10

Not that money is the root of all evil.

[Michael]

Okay, true. I am sure there are lots of examples. My knowledge of the Bible is much less than it should be.

BUT...God gave them money NOT to buy stuff for themselves, but to give. I assume this because God would not give money to someone for the purpose of self-indulgence. So, back to my question:

How can any Christian justify buying/saving more than is needed for a Christina life?

[Pioneer Woman]

It's the love of money, that's the root of all evil. We have to have money to buy/pay for the basic necessities of life. Anything more than that, is well, just more than that.

I'm reminded of the verse about how "to much is given, much will be required". If the Lord's allowed a person to have lots of money beyond what is needed to live on, He didn't give that extra money just to be used to wallow around in luxury pampering ourselves. I truly feel that He means that extra money to be used to get the Gospel out, and to help those in need.

:)

[flicka]

BUT...God gave them money NOT to buy stuff for themselves, but to give. I assume this because God would not give money to someone for the purpose of self-indulgence.

Where do you get this? They were very wealthy and remained so. They didn't give it all away. It was a reward for their faithfulness and service.

I work hard for every bit of money I have. Who says how much I have to give away and to whom? Do I give away money just because someone has less than me, maybe because they don't work as hard? I don't think so.

I choose to give money away that I feel led to, but I do not give to people who would just squander it.

[Michael]

It's the love of money, that's the root of all evil. We have to have money to buy/pay for the basic necessities of life. Anything more than that, is well, just more than that.

I'm reminded of the verse about how "to much is given, much will be required". If the Lord's allowed a person to have lots of money beyond what is needed to live on, He didn't give that extra money just to be used to wallow around in luxury pampering ourselves. I truly feel that He means that extra money to be used to get the Gospel out, and to help those in need.

:)

Okay. That is the perfect answer. I knew you guys were wise. Great answer. I feel better now. hahaha. Thank you.

[Michael]

Where do you get this? They were very wealthy and remained so. They didn't give it all away. It was a reward for their faithfulness and service.

I work hard for every bit of money I have. Who says how much I have to give away and to whom? Do I give away money just because someone has less than me, maybe because they don't work as hard? I don't think so.

I choose to give money away that I feel led to, but I do not give to people who would just squander it.

God is not asking you to squander your money. I guess my question to you is: Why would someone not use any EXTRA money to help spread the word or to a Christian charity?

[flicka]

How do you determine what is extra though? I happen to believe that people who do not have enough in savings to support their retirement or medical expenses in their old age and have to rely on someone else to pay for it are not being good witnesses for Christ.

Christians should not rely on the government for their needs.

[Michael]

How do you determine what is extra though? I happen to believe that people who do not have enough in savings to support their retirement or medical expenses in their old age and have to rely on someone else to pay for it are not being good witnesses for Christ.

Christians should not rely on the government for their needs.

Okay. I see your point. What is "extra" should be left up to the possessor (of the money). That seems right.

Now that we agree on being able to save for retirement and medical expenses and less-than-indulgent stuff without compromising our Christianity, I assume you agree with the implications of my original question then, right?

How can a Christian justify saving/buying more than is necessary for a Christian lifestyle?

[flicka]

How can a Christian justify saving/buying more than is necessary for a Christian lifestyle?

But, who says how much is necessary? That's what I'm getting at.

People who live in California, for instance, pay a LOT more for housing then people who live in Texas.

Are they sinning by spending more money on living expenses? I don't think so.