It is important to have a savings account. Call it a piggy bank, emergency “stash”, a “slush fund.” We do need to prepare for the “what ifs” in life, those unexpected expenses that come along.

How about your Christian, spiritual, or grace account?  Jesus did talk a great deal about money, telling parables about settling accounts, rendering unto Caesar, where your treasure is, there your heart shall be also. I think our Lord is trying to tell us any way he can that saving is all well and good, but only to a certain point. It is more blessed to give, share, and spend for the kingdom of God. Let me share a quote of unknown origin:

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, ‘WHOO HOO, WHAT A RIDE!’”

Okay, maybe not THAT extreme.

Maybe balance. Everything in moderation. Equal measures of serious and silly. You can be a thrifty, frugal person to a fault. “All work and no play”. God desires for us satisfaction, fulfillment, and the blessings of life. But none of what is given by Him is ours to keep.

 I get that there’s a certain fear factor involved in the topic of money. Throw in a dash or two of guilt, and it makes for a rather unappetizing dish. (I must be hungry; now I’m going with food metaphors…). It’s not just about money…but it is. Giving back a portion of what God has blessed and entrusted us with. The treasures in heaven are worth infinitely more than any earthly bounty. Be prepared, for I cannot help feeling that time is of the essence for all of us. There is so much to give for, to share, and nothing more important than knowing the amazing, unconditional love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Pastor Art