Should a Christian Have Savings?

A Biblical view of financial stewardship / Part of the “Making Sense of Your Cents” series

by Michael Steptoe

There seems to be a common connection made between saving money and building treasures in this world. Are these two concepts the same thing Biblically? Let’s read a few verses.

In Proverbs 21:20 we read, “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” This establishes the understanding that spending everything is foolish, which means it stands to reason we shouldn’t spend it all. This ability to not spend it all is called saving. Many people have a lack of self-control and embrace the idea that we shouldn’t build up treasures on earth as an excuse to spend it all. However, that is causing the Bible to contradict itself when used that way. A sanctified Christian should have sanctified finances. This means we use moderation in all things; we should have control over impulses that are harmful to us and those around us.

The story in Luke 12:16-21 is often misunderstood. The familiar parable isn’t a story against having extra put aside, but it is a story about worldliness in finances. The rich man wasn’t in error for being rich, but he was in error for thinking, “I have no room where to bestow my fruits” and decided to build bigger barns to keep storing more. This is a message of having a love of money and not willing to use it for anybody but himself. To understand this error, we must read what Paul says toward those rich in this world’s goods in Timothy 6:17-18 “…that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate…” He didn’t say to give it all away so we could be poor, but he instructed us to use our finances for the Lord and glorify Him in how we use it for ourselves – in moderation and not excessiveness.

Finally, in Proverbs 6:6-11, we read about someone who is slothful in working and preparing for what’s ahead. Solomon said, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; onsider her ways, and be wise:…Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” This is explaining about how ants work when they can and store up for when they can’t work (also a message for retirement). Verse 11 indicates poverty is the result of not preparing for what’s ahead. So many face dire situations because they didn’t prepare an emergency fund to guard against such things. There is a peace that comes with knowing we are guarded against situations like flat tires, unexpected expenses, and household emergencies.

The Bible declares it is foolish to spend all we have and not prepare for what’s ahead, bringing poverty (lacking what is needed) upon ourselves. This also has the potentional to place burdens on our loved ones who feel responsible for helping us. When these situations repeatedly arise because we continue to make poor choices, we become burdens instead of blessings to them.

Let us prepare to be a blessing and not a burden to the Lord, His Church, and all those around us. Amen!