WWJD By Dr. Richard Youngblood
Question: What advice do you think Jesus would give to
people of today struggling to make ends meet financially with lower incomes,
increased expenses and job losses? (Part 2)
Although Jesus often discussed attitudes toward
money, he was not concerned about teaching financial strategies for the 21st
Century. However, I do believe he would
encourage us to follow some simple, common sense yet practical principles found
in the biblical proverbs. Last week we discussed three principles that
can help us. This week we will consider three
more.
We begin by suggesting that a time when jobs are few
and money is scarce is not a time to spend money on unnecessary pleasures and items. The wise man warned, “He who
loves pleasure will become poor” (Proverbs 21:17); and, “He who oppresses the
poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich-- both come to
poverty” (Proverbs 22:16). Pride, envy and the competitive spirit
sometimes drive people to spend money on things they do not need (Proverbs
16:18). Sometimes we buy expensive gifts
we cannot afford in order to make others think we are
something we are not. Wise management of
God’s blessings should be more important than what others may think of us. Whether rich, poor or in-between, in times
like the present, no one can afford to waste time or money on the unnecessary. Considering our situation today, we need to
always ask about every purchase, “Is this really something we need just
now? Can I wait until better times?”
In addition, we should maintain a generous spirit
toward others who may also be facing difficulties. The wise man of Proverbs observed that “one
man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to
poverty. A generous man will prosper; he
who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:24-25; cf. Prov. 22:9; 28:8 & 22; Luke 16:9). The
way we treat others who are facing life’s challenges is often the way they will
respond to us when we face similar problems.
When the early Christians in Jerusalem faced economic difficulties, we
are told that “all the believers were together and had everything in
common. Selling their possessions and
goods, they gave to anyone as he had need” (Acts 2:44-45). This kind of sharing
not only met their immediate needs, but the Lord also blessed them for their
generous spirit. The wise man said, “He
who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he
has done” (Proverbs 19:17).
Finally, one of our greatest needs is to learn the
principle of contentment. The
apostle Paul explained that he had “learned the secret of being content in any
and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in
want. I can do everything through him who
gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13). The Lord will bless those who find their
contentment through patient faith in Jesus.
With this contentment we can join the wise man who prayed: “Give
me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the
name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9).
[Send questions or comments to University Church of Christ, 801 N. 12th, Murray, KY 42071 or phone 270-753-1881. This article is reproduced on the web: www.nchrist.org ] 2009/03/27