Examining Your Christian Budget: 5 Critical Questions to Ask

A Booby Trap in the Christian Budget

Money is a vital part of our lives, and it is easy to let it control us. The Bible warns us that we cannot serve both God and money. It is important to examine our spending habits regularly to ensure that our love for money does not lead us astray. In this article, we will discuss the importance of asking five critical questions when examining our budget.

The Danger of the Love of Money

Money is a necessary part of life, but it is easy to become obsessed with it. When we love money, we are tempted to put our trust in it instead of God, and it can lead to all sorts of problems. The Bible warns us about the dangers of the love of money:

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:10)

This verse does not say that money is the root of all kinds of evils. Instead, it says that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. When we love money, it becomes our priority, and we are willing to do anything to get it. We are tempted to lie, cheat, and steal, and it can lead us away from our faith.

The Importance of Generosity

One of the most critical questions we should ask when examining our budget is whether our spending is marked by Christian generosity. The Bible encourages us to give generously:

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

When we give generously, we are putting our trust in God instead of money. We are saying that we believe that God will provide for our needs. Giving generously also helps us to focus on the needs of others instead of our own wants and desires. It is a way to practice sacrificial love, just as Christ loved us sacrificially.

The Danger of Materialism

Another critical question we should ask when examining our budget is what our spending says about what makes us most happy. Are we spending our money on things that will bring us temporary happiness, or are we investing in things that will bring us lasting joy?

The Bible warns us about the dangers of materialism:

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

This verse reminds us that the things of this world are temporary. They will not last forever, and they will not bring us lasting joy. When we invest in the kingdom of God, we are investing in something that will last forever. We are storing up treasures in heaven, where nothing can destroy them.

The Danger of Worldliness

Another critical question we should ask when examining our budget is whether our spending suggests that we are collecting for this life. Are we investing in things that will benefit us in this life, or are we investing in things that will benefit us in eternity?

The Bible warns us about the dangers of worldliness:

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

This verse reminds us that the things of this world are passing away. They will not last forever, and they will not bring us lasting joy. When we invest in the kingdom of God, we are investing in something that will last forever. We are storing up treasures in heaven, where nothing can destroy them.

The Importance of Supporting the Gospel

Another critical question we should ask when examining our budget is whether our spending is explicitly supporting the spread of the gospel. The Bible encourages us to support those who are spreading the gospel:

In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:14)

This verse reminds us that those who are spreading the gospel should be supported by those who are benefiting from their ministry. When we support the spread of the gospel, we are investing in the kingdom of God. We are helping to bring others into a relationship with Christ, and we are helping to build up the body of Christ.

The Danger of Frugality

Finally, we should ask whether our spending is so cautious that it has captured our heart and keeps us from loving those close to us well. This is a critical question for those who are frugal. While it is important to be wise with our money, we must also be willing to be generous when it is necessary.

The Bible encourages us to be generous:

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

This verse reminds us that we should not put our hope in riches but in God. We should be generous and ready to share, storing up treasure for ourselves as a good foundation for the future. When we are frugal to the point of neglecting those close to us, we are not practicing Christian generosity. We must be willing to be generous when it is necessary, even if it means sacrificing some of our own wants and desires.

Conclusion

Money is a powerful force in our lives, and it is easy to let it control us. We must regularly examine our spending habits to ensure that our love for money does not lead us astray. By asking these five critical questions, we can ensure that our spending is marked by Christian generosity, that we are investing in things that will bring us lasting joy, and that we are supporting the spread of the gospel. We must also be careful not to be so frugal that we neglect those close to us. When we put our trust in God instead of money, we can experience true joy and peace in our lives.