I have food, clothing, and shelter. Now what?
When Paul wrote to the Philippian believers, he thanked them for their financial gift and famously explained that he had learned to be content in all situations. Paul added, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound” (Philippians 4:12). On the surface abounding seems easy, like learning how to enjoy ice cream or warm sunshine. But is there more to managing money than meets the eye? God often tests how we handle abundance.
The Test of Pleasures
Fiscal faithfulness in daily responsibilities marks spiritually mature believers. An important part of godliness is handling money properly, which starts with caring for the basic ongoing needs of one’s own family: “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). By this we mean such necessities as food, clothing, and shelter: “but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:8).
Pleasures and wants beyond that may well be gifts of God, “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17). But they can also be snares into godless covetousness and love of money, which can ruin our souls: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10).
A mature Christian will constantly guard their heart from wandering from the faith after money and possessions by remembering God is our treasure and portion
A mature Christian will constantly guard their heart from wandering from the faith after money and possessions by remembering God is our treasure and portion, in this life and in heaven. A lively confidence in eternity and heavenly rewards spurs on faithful stewards to joyful giving, unbegrudging hospitality, and diligent provision for children and family members.
The Test of Provisions
Handling money properly also means saving money for the future as God leads: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (Proverbs 6:6–8). Of course, there is a great danger here of becoming like the rich fool in Christ’s parable, who stores up abundance for himself to enjoy for years to come, not realizing that he is to die that very night and has done nothing to store up for eternity (Luke 12:16–21).
American Christians, so richly blessed by God, sometimes act the role of the rich fool. They pour massive amounts of resources into retirement accounts so they can live comfortably in their retirement years pursuing their own interests. What is this but building bigger barns, and laying up good things for years to come? Satan’s world system teams up with our fleshly selfishness to teach us an overpowering lie: “These resources are mine to do with as I please; they have come to me to make my life comfortable and pleasant to me.” The rich fool made that mistake, and it cost him his soul.
The Test of Possessions
Another practical issue of stewardship is the maintenance and care of existing possessions:
I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man (Proverbs 24:30–34).
The sin of laziness leads to the waste of the Lord’s possessions; it is a bad witness, and an arrogant presumption on the future. Thus, a spiritually mature person will keep his house, car, clothing, and other vital possessions in good repair, ready for future use for the Master.
The Test of Perspective
A mature Christian “sends it on ahead” by investing in eternity. He makes sacrifices in his present daily life—with both necessities and pleasures—so he can store up treasure for eternity. He invests sacrificially in his local church, as well as in other ministries that are advancing the kingdom of God. He invests wisely by researching these giving opportunities and taking each one to the Lord in prayer. He does all of this out of faith, fully expecting to be rewarded for his good stewardship by the Master. When the time comes, he yearns to hear this commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things” (Matthew 25:21, 23).
