Fellow Christians: A question about money...?

Question

My husband and I are faithful in tithing to our church. For awhile now I have been feeling so guilty about money we spend. Our consumer society feels so frivolous at times. I feel ridiculous spending money on things that I don't really "need" when there are starving children and others who have so much less than I do. I would like to give more money away then we do now, over and above our tithe, but I wonder will it ever be enough? Is it wrong to buy a pair of shoes you don't really need or spend money on fixing up your house? I just feel so obsessed over how much money I spend. Maybe I have a love of money?

Answer 1

The question is never about how much 'money' you have, the question is where is your center located?

A person who is firmly centered and responsible can be absolutely stinking rich because the money simply becomes a tool, to be used at the discretion of the person ("To whom much is given, much is expected".) To say that God abhors or is afraid of money is to put a human condition on a divine origination, making it less than rather than making the human more than.

In other words, what is the 'true' purpose and intent in which you use money? A person who 'tithes' appropriately, simply because they believe they are 'buying' their way into heaven is actually giving less for their money than a person who tithes very little, but who is generous from their spirit when called upon.

Buying shoes to simply buy shoes is frivolous; however, if the buying of those shoes reinforces one's faith and belief (God has provided for me, even for my comfort and leisure, as promised) then the buying is not frivolous. It is not the act, in and of itself, that determines what is 'holy' or not. The spirit that governs such an act also takes part in it.

If the home where you reside is truly an example of God's presence in your life, how can spending money on it be frivolous? Does not that which is well-prepared inspire others to reach for the same, is not a well-stocked pantry the best means of fighting the cause of hunger in the world (the more blessed one is, the more blessings one can share?)

You do not have a love of money, you have a lack of faith and substitute it with a belief in money. When you have faith in your ability to do your share, you will no longer worry about money, you will be too busy living an example of your faith, and your dealings with money will, in turn, reflect thus.

Answer 2

I know exactly how you feel. You know, we're really not here on this earth for very long - it probably isn't a bad idea to help others while we can. Nothing will ever "be enough" but that shouldn't stop us from improving what lives we can.

Personally, I think if we think more on money than on anything else, or let money in any way to control the way we live we have given in to the "love of money." the very first sermon I heard at my new church was on money - he taught to first tithe, then save up at least $1000 for unforseeable occurances, then pay off all debt. After that, we are free to give over our tithe. How much is something between you and God, but I thought that was some dang good advice.

Blessings to you, sister!

Answer 3

This is such a personal question.

The best rule of thumb to use when deciding what to do with the abundance that God has given you, is to give until your heart feels satisfied that you are giving enough back.

Remember God wants your heart, and that would include more than just monetary tithing, it includes your labor and prayer for one another. A person does not have to be destitute for you to do Gods will towards them.
A person who seems to "have it all" could still be very lonely and a personal touch from you could lift them up and give them hope.

You may want to practice "acts of love" go around doing things for another, like paying for the to go order behind you, or putting money into the machines at the laundry mat. There are so many things that you can do without the other person knowing it was you, or if they see you, never know your name.

Take an address from a house, go to the electric company and pay something on their electric bill. I could go on and on, but you should be able to figure out something that works with your own heart and what it tells you to do with your blessings.
Godspeed

Answer 4

Good for you for asking this! I wish I had a clear answer for you, but I don't.

There's nothing wrong with money itself. Heck, there's nothing wrong with buying yourself a pair of shoes you don't need. The question that you should (and are!) ask yourself is do you feel you are doing enough to help those less fortunate than you, given the resources you have.

Whatever you do, don't let money rule you. It's a thing, a tool... it allows you do buy things you want and do things you want and yes, give others the things they need. But it isn't everything. If you really feel you should be giving more, maybe see if you can volunteer someplace. Even a couple hours a month make a difference and perhaps it'll help you let go of the money facination. (Happens to many of us, btw.)

Answer 5

No it's not the Love of money it's that prices are going up and making things harder to get. I think 10 dollars or even 5 dollars if five to give to the Church however, give whatever you feel lead and just treat yourself to a pair of shoes every other month. With this way you won't feel guilty.

Answer 6

it's not your money. As disciples of Christ, everything we own belongs to God, was provided by God and should be used to glorify God. that's the truth.

the holy spirit in you is helping you see how you waste money that might be put to better use - which is a good thing because we should be mindful stewards of God's money.

but none of this means that you can't ever have a new pair of shoes or make your house look nice! always look at your heart when it comes to money.

if you borrow money to buy that beautiful furniture instead of saving for it - you aren't being a good steward of God's money.

if you own 40 pairs of shoes and are not a dancing instructor, then you aren't being a good steward of God's money.

if you add on a room to your home or make it look a little nicer so that you can shelter others or practice hospitality to others, then your efforts are made with a good heart.

God doesn't need money - he wants your heart!

Answer 7

Maybe God is calling you to help others more? or using some $ to fund some kids seeking to do mission work.... or I don't know. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will convict us in areas where we are not doing our best to use what God gives us for His Glory.

while it isnt wrong to spend on things, saving up for whatever God calls upon you for may be a good idea... match what you spend to what you 'save up' ... or just try buying what you need for a while, see how you feel?

I don't see it as a 'love of money'... but as the holy spirit just calling you into something beyond yourself perhaps.

Answer 8

It sounds like your near “worshiping money”, or you have inner feelings that you are near this.
Look at “Tithing” … what is it really? The Bible tells us that we are to tithe our “TIME, TALENT, AND WEALTH”. So, in addition to your 10% to charity (Church, Hospices, Peace-Corps, ect) how do you tithe in other places?

Do you give 10% of the day to God in prayer (Time)? This is about 1.5 hours a day for most (subtracting sleeping hours. I’d say most people naturally give God ½ hour in normal “thanks” … but do you set aside time to be alone with God daily?

What do you do to return your talent to God? Some people praying is their talent … others, smiling at people … others cooking is a talent, so they go to volunteer at soup kitchens … and others read to children at their local library … some sing in the choir … doctors may take a "Mission" and give medicine to Third World Countries ... anyways, this is more personal, and you can’t write a check for it. I guess you have to soul search to seek what talent God gave YOU.

Keep tithing 10% of your wealth, but see where you can improve in these other areas and then re-visit your wealth giving after healing these other areas for at least a year. I think this will help you feel more well-rounded with God.

Answer 9

Just keep in mind God owns everything. If you are Christian he owns you and your husband as well. God does not necessarily needs our money because he owns everything. Tithing is a way to so that we can be trusted to be faithful to what he has provided us to manage. Remember he is the owner. I do not belive God would want you to guilt trip yourself for your expenses. If you are led to give for a perticular cause may be you would want to contribute to that cause. But listen to the spirit. Your family alone or my family alone can not solve the Worlds problems but God can. Because he has unlimited resource. I do not believe he wants his children to be miserable or feel guilty about a resonable life-style as long as we put HIM first in everything we do. I believe Guilt is one of the weapons of Devil. So Pray and Ask God how he would want to manage the resource he has provided to you.

Answer 10

I think you have a healthy respect for the dangers of money; however, I don't see what you are spending the money on as anything to feel guilty about.
Find the balance.
Remember God only requires 10%. Anything given above this is a voluntary offering.....this is between you and God. In essence, the 90% is yours to do as you please.