As Christians, we know that we don't get to keep any of our money or stuff, we just get to use it for the unknown time period which we are on earth. The question I have is how does that play out on a practical basis? What do we christians do differently with our money? Should we invest differently? Should we spend differently? Obviously, we should be generous givers, scripture is quite clear on that, but beyond that how should we be different?

Here is a quote I like from Centesimus Annus by Pope John Paull II:

"the loss of the authentic meaning of life--is a reality in Western societies too. This happens in consumerism, when people are ensnared in a web of false and superficial gratifications rather than being helped to experience their personhood in an authentic and concrete way."

It kind of makes me think.

Comments?

-- James (stinkcat_14@hotmail.com), December 28, 2004

Answers

bump.

-- James (stinkcat_14@hotmail.com), December 28, 2004.

James, I think this is a very good and practical topic. It's also a great open-ended question. I'll throw in my two bits.

I think what should make the biggest difference in how we Christians handle our money should be our attitude. First, it's not our money. It's all God's money. We're but humble stewards.

Now, how best to spend God's money and maintain a healthy detachment from "things" that don't aid in our ultimate goal: eternal life with God...

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), December 30, 2004.

With the proper attitude to guide our use of the money "we earn", I believe we will spend "God's" money prudently when it comes to ourselves, yet generously when it comes to the least of our brothers.

For example, do I really need that 50" plasma television, or would the money be better spent on charities? Buying that 50" plasma TV would be awesome, and not sinful in and of itself. But the money could do more good if spent in other ways, if I really believe it to be God's and not mine.

Easy to say, hard to do. This attitide also touches on the more controversial subject of how many children God really wants Christian couples to have.

-- ("ask3332004@yahoo.com), December 30, 2004.

Andy and Ask,

Thanks for the response. You both raise some good points. One of the problems I think we run into in this area is that we do have some liberty in how we spend, invest and give our money. The problem is that liberty is often interpreted as: "do whatever you want". I also think that churches oftentimes spend more time on the giving part, and less on the spending and investing issues. Part of the reason is that for many people, money and finance can be quite confusing and frustrating. Part of the problem I think resides with people like myself. I teach economics and finance, but I have only recently begun to investigate the moral and ethical implications of how we spend our money. People like me need to put more time and effort into this area.

One of the reason's I like the quote from Pope John Paul is that we should use our stuff in such as way as to best utilize and share the talents that we received from God. Also, I think good stewardship starts with prayer. If we pray before we spend, we are more apt to make better decisions.

thanks for your responses.

-- James (stinkcat_14@hotmail.com), December 30, 2004.

Also, I think good stewardship starts with prayer. If we pray before we spend, we are more apt to make better decisions. - James

Great advice James! I have not done that yet. I will from now on though.

Andy S (a.k.a "Ask")

I wouldn't want to get in trouble for using two handles ;-)

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), December 30, 2004.

One pastor I know put it like this: "It's alright to have stuff, just don't let your stuff have you." Unfortunately, at least in this country, the latter is all too easy.

-- Gail (Rothfarms@socket.net), December 30, 2004.

Gail says:

"It's alright to have stuff, just don't let your stuff have you."

Good advice, I think we often rush into things without thinking about the full cost. We also tend to forget how rich we really are. For example, I often complain about the amount of taxes I pay without stopping to think that I have been very blessed financially. Of course, I don't like some of the things the government spends our money on, but all the same, there are people who are a lot worse off than I am.

You fooled me Andy, I never realized it was you.

-- James (stinkcat_14@hotmail.com), December 30, 2004.

Sorry James. I got lazy and didn't put my Full Name in.

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), December 30, 2004.

Actually Lawrence, I was the one that was in error. Andy used the same email address in both situations, I just wasn't paying attention. Andy didn't do anything wrong.

-- James (stinkcat_14@hotmail.com), December 31, 2004.