We live in an age when teaching children the importance of saving money and making things last is no longer the norm. We live in a microwave and disposable world. Some of this makes sense because life runs at such a rapid pace it would cause our ancestors to think that war is raging on our own soil or at least in our own souls. And to reinforce this feeling, many of the “durable goods” we use are designed to last for but a season. The media uncovers more news than any single human can possible retain. We live in a culture of rapid consumption.
The cosmos is changing and her message is confusing. On one hand, the green movement is preaching the idea of caring for mother earth – making things last. It causes us to appreciate the idea of creation, clean air, water, and soil. It portrays a desire for peace and makes you want to take a walk taking in deep and cleansing breaths thankful for all of God’s provisions. On the other hand, everything else seems to be about immediate gratification. The message is “buy now, don’t wait, it’ll be too late! Hurry, hurry, hurry, this won’t last!”
The discipline of saving is not just about setting money aside; it is a way of life. It will change the way you view life. It will make life more like God designed it. Bottom-line, it will make life more enjoyable and fulfilling. If you’re not a saver, I want to encourage you to consider becoming one for five reasons:
Saving cultivates wisdom. When you save money, you get smarter. You develop some prudence because you begin to learn one of the most important principles of happy and successful people – the difference between needs and wants. Notice and meditate on the Scriptures below.
He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:19-20
Saving cultivates discipline. Wealth does not come by quick fixes, lottery winnings, or good luck. Time has proven that wealth comes by the way one lives. The discipline to do the little things day in and day out brings the wealth one needs, not wants. Notice and meditate on the Scriptures below:
Go to the ant… 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
… he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Proverbs 13:11
Saving helps you survive the storms. How many people never experience life-storms? I have not met any have you? God has allowed us to participate in the architecture of our lives. His word teaches us that we should include savings because we as humans do not know what tomorrow may bring. Those who listen to this advice stand a better chance of finding shelter during life’s seasons of difficulties, not so much because of the money they have saved but because of the life-perspectives, wisdom, and strength they have acquired by living God’s ways. Both Jesus and Pastor James remind us of this fact. Notice quotes: Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33) and James said “…whenever you face trails…” (James 1:2).
Saving makes you a godly resource for those in need. God did not design us to live for ourselves but to live for God. What does that look like? Discover your gifts and use them to help others. One of the best gifts you can give to God is to become a person he can use to help others. Like the saying goes, “You might be the only Bible some people read.” Notice and consider the Scriptures below.
He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. Proverbs 19:17
A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children… Proverbs 13:22
Remember, the discipline of saving money is less about money and more about the pace of life. When we become savers, we stand a better chance of enjoying our walk through life on earth instead of trying to consume as much as we can by hurrying through life as if this is the only life we will lead.
