What's it Cost?

Throughout life’s journey, we are given and entrusted with many resources. Whether that’s money or possession. They are in our care for a time. However, these resources are not just for our own benefit… We are to be what was once called stewards of all the gifts God has given to us. Stewards were put in charge of someone else’s property or money for a period of time and to make the necessary and sound decisions on how to administer it. When it comes to the money or possession we have to care for, it’s crucial to recognize the delicate balance between saving money responsibly and falling into the trap of hoarding it out of fear or a misguided sense of security. Jesus tells this parable to his disciples as they were discussing what it meant to be a follower of Christ. Luke records it this way: Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish (Luke 14:28-30)

The words of Jesus recorded in Luke provide us with profound wisdom for our own approach to finances. Imagine building a tower without considering the cost. In our modern context, this speaks to the importance of thoughtful financial planning. God calls us to be responsible stewards, acknowledging that our resources are ultimately His that we are to care for.
And as we journey, we have to hold the tension between saving money and hoarding it in our minds and our actions. John Wesley, an influential Christian leader, emphasized the prudence of saving when he said, The second rule of Christian prudence is, save all you can (The Use of Money, 1760). However, as he continued to preach, Wesley cautioned against throwing our money and possession into the sea through frivolous spending.

Saving money is not about amassing wealth for its own sake. Instead, it's a reflection of our trust in God's provision and a commitment to using our resources wisely. Hoarding, on the other hand, often stems from a mindset of fear — a fear of scarcity or of the unknown future. But as Christians, our faith calls us to rise above such anxieties. The key lies in the condition of our hearts. Are we saving money with an open hand, ready to generously give and serve others, or are we hoarding it with a closed fist, driven by fear and greed? Our approach to finances reflects the state of our hearts.

John Wesley encourages us not to waste our finances in idle expenses, equating it to throwing them into the sea. Idle expenses may include unnecessary luxuries or impulsive spending that adds little value to our lives or others. As we navigate the complex landscape of finances, remember that our perspective on money is a matter of the heart. It's about recognizing the responsibility we have as stewards, acknowledging God's ownership of all we have, and finding a balance between saving wisely and avoiding the pitfalls of hoarding.

So are we saving or hoarding this week?