Daily Devotions
Conservative Spending to Liberal Giving
Reading for February 8th: Leviticus 22-23
“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.”
Leviticus 23:22
I’m a bit of a spendthrift. I like shopping in the clearance aisle and enjoy using coupons. I cut the water off while brushing teeth and turn out the lights when leaving a room.
Though I wouldn’t want to impose my personal rules about money on anyone, I believe that being careful with money is a biblical ideal. The Bible is full of exhortations about the wise way to handle wealth (Prov 10:15; 12:27; 13:11, 22; 18:11; 22:7; 29:3).
It is also important that we be clear about our motive in being careful with money. Is it about God or about ourselves? Are we frugal so we might be more secure or to have a good retirement? Or are we chiefly motivated by God’s purposes?
The same book of Proverbs that speaks of the importance of being careful with money, has this to say about wealth:
- Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed. 19:17
- Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. 22:9
- Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. 28:8
- Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. 28:27
Father, help us to see the poor as you see them. Help us to deal bountifully with them just as you have been bountiful with us.
