Hogging the Piggy Bank
Hogging the Piggy Bank
My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)
When my son, Bennett, turned six, we started giving him an allowance each week. We soon found out we had a little miser on our hands. Bennett never spent a dime. At first, I was proud of his self-control. But when I asked Bennett what he was saving for, he said, “Nothing. I just want to have a lot of money in my bank.” I realized he saw money not as a means to an end but as an end in itself.
“Bennett, remember that God gives us money so we can use it for His glory. He is the One who provides for us, and although saving can be a smart thing to do, having lots of money isn’t the most important thing.”
Bennett looked thoughtful. “If I spend my money or give it away, I may not get any more.”
“Well, that might be,” I said. “But we can trust that God will always provide for us. He takes care of us inside and out.”
Bennett seemed OK with that. “How ’bout if I use some money to make a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child?”
I smiled. “Tell you what: I’ll match however much money you want to spend. Then you can really fill up that shoebox for a child in need.”
When we’re living and working just for a paycheck, we’re not really living the abundant life God promises and desires for us. Money is not for our own personal benefit or satisfaction but to use for God’s glory and to help those in need. We must spend and save wisely, making sure our material abundance is also a blessing to others. God is in control, and He promises to meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.