Cutting Back

Dear Victorious,

In this tight economy, it seems everyone is tightening their belts, or cutting back on their spending. As Christians, it seems like good stewardship would dictate this anyway. But I've learned that what everyone else is doing isn't always right. Are there any places we should not be cutting back financially right now?

Big Spender

Dear Big,

In a tough economy like ours, we’re all looking for areas where we can trim our expenses. It is good, Christ-honoring stewardship to reassess where we’re spending money, for what, and why.
You ask a good question though, and your hunch was right. There are at least two sound bits of counsel from Scripture for these tough times.

First, don’t stop giving to help the poor. Beyond the obvious fact that there are many more people who need help when there is an economic downturn, there is also an important benefit for you when you give to help alleviate the sufferings of the poor. God’s Word promises, “He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.” (Proverbs 28:27) A safeguard against experiencing lack yourself is to give to help those who are in serious need.

As this verse warns, this is no time to look the other way. This is no time to invite curses on our finances. Now is the time for compassionate Christians to empathize with those suffering hardships and help lift them to a better life, and do this in Jesus’ name.

Second, don’t stop giving to missions. Philippians 4:19 is a conditional promise. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Now read the context. Paul was commending the Philippian church for their generous investment in his missions outreaches. Because they had their priorities right – giving to what is dear to the heart of God – they could bank on God’s provision for them.

Frankly, in times like these I intentionally defy the evil spirit of fear by giving above and beyond what I might typically give. Sometimes this feels like a test of faith, as the economic world tries to close in around me. But we must remember that even though we may feel some of its effects, at the end of the day we are not subject to the whims of the economy. Nor are we influenced by the fears of economists who have no allegiance to Christ’s Kingdom. God will always make provision for the things He calls us to do.