As I write this, another “Black Friday” is fast approaching. In America, the day after people overindulge in stuffing their stomachs, they overindulge in spending money for the upcoming Christmas season. It’s curious how followers of Christ get swept up in the same madness that the world does. I am not pontificating from on high because I am as guilty as anyone else here.
My goal is always to complete my Christmas shopping on that day. But, as the date was approaching this year, the Lord smacked me in the face with Isaiah 55:2. The verse says, “Why do you spend money on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy?” Ouch. Once again, the Word of God leads me to rethink how I am living life.
This isn’t just about Black Friday, but about the way most of us in the West view money. Remember, every dollar God entrusts to us is only ours to steward for Him. I’ve met many people over the years who believe in giving the first ten percent of their income to God, and that they are free to do whatever they wish with the other ninety percent. I’m still waiting for any of them to provide a scriptural reference to back up this belief about spending money. It’s a horrible idea to build your life on any set of beliefs or principles that are not articulated in God’s Word. Every dollar belongs to God (Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8). We have nothing unless He gives it to us (1 Chronicles 29:12; James 1:17).
Never make the mistake of thinking you own anything. You gave up that right when you surrendered your heart to Him and, with eager joy, agreed to be a slave to His Lordship (Romans 6:16–18; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20). I can’t help but think of a statement put forward by the World Economic Forum in the not-so-distant past. Their vision for the world is that “you will own nothing and be happy about it.”
As an American who is old enough to understand and remember the evils of communism, I am more than a little offended by such nonsense. But in a spiritual sense, this is what we are called to. Everything God gives to us is for us to use for His glory, so we are happy to consider nothing our own. It is our joy to give it to Him.
Regular readers know I reference 1 John 2:15–17 more than perhaps any other passage. It is again relevant here. John is clear that if we love the things of this world, then we don’t love God. Our obsession with “stuff” not only hints at a lack of trust in God’s provision (Matthew 6:25–34), but also at an unhealthy obsession with the things of this world. Why do we spend so much of the money He entrusts to us on things that do not last and will fade away (Matthew 6:19–21)? Put another way, why are we so eager to trade something of value for that which has no value? It’s a losing proposition and a lie of the Devil.
Before opening your wallet and spending money again, it’s time to rethink our relationship with money in light of our duty of stewardship. Just as God will hold us accountable for every word we speak (Matthew 12:36), it follows He will also demand an accounting for every nickel we spend (Luke 16:10–12). The Lord blesses us with money to steward on His behalf. Before you spend another dollar, consider whether you are spending it in a way that honors the Kingdom or for your selfish and earthbound desires. It’s a sobering thought to ponder, but one we are all obligated to consider. In everything you do, and every dollar you spend, make certain you are serving your King (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31).