Saving money need not mean that we squeeze ourselves dry and live like paupers. No, saving our money and faithfully stewarding the resources God has given us means that we are able to enjoy our lives, live free of worry over financial concerns, be able to give to God, all the while living contented with what He gives.
Do you want to save money and stretch your budget without treating yourself like a pauper? Here are some tips for you, according to the Bible.
1. Be Content And Focus On Just Your Needs
We live in a generation where advertisements and endorsements of certain products continually flash before our eyes and blare into our ears. This entices us to acquire more things, even those that we really don't need. The solution for this?
Be content with what you have and focus on just meeting your needs.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."
Our needs – food, shelter and clothing – are important, but we shouldn't overemphasise them. Extravagance with regards to needs – such as eating in an expensive restaurant, spending too much in beautifying our homes, and wearing unnecessarily expensive clothing – will still drain our pockets.
2. Focus On Saving Instead Of Spending
Many of us have the habit of "counting our chickens before the eggs hatch." We think about our expected income, think that we have enough, spend it on our wants and end up not having enough for what really matters. We need to live with what our resources can give us.
1 Timothy 6:9 tells us, "But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction."
Avoid the lavish lifestyle of spending money on things that don't really matter. Trust me, that new gadget, or shoes, or car isn't worth it if you don't really need it.
3. Be Generous – But Not Too Much
Lastly, believe in the principle of sowing and reaping. Jesus said it's more blessed to give than to receive. When we give what we have to the things that God wants, such as lending or giving to the poor or tithing in church to support full-time ministers, we are actually declaring that "God provides my needs, and He gives me the opportunity to share it."
Be careful though not to be too kind and generous. It would be good to share what you have, but it won't be good if you gave too much that you didn't have enough left to feed yourself and your family. Keep in mind that your body and your very life is entrusted to you, so take care of yourself, too.
Remember, "Love your neighbour as yourself." (see Matthew 22:39)
