Christians are to be good stewards of their money. Should they spend it on hobbies, meals out, and so on, or spend it only on Christian endeavours?
Christians are called to be good stewards of their money, as well as their time, their strength, and their health. All that we are and have is for God and his glory. But we are not ascetics. A steward is called to be good, faithful, and wise in discharging particular responsibilities as one who is accountable. The ascetic goes beyond proper self-discipline to extreme and highly regulated self-denial, usually imagining that it gains merit with God. Paul condemns this spirit in Colossians 2:20-23.
Remember that money is enticing (1 Timothy 6:10) and often demanding (Proverbs 23:4, 28:20; Deuteronomy 15:7; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 13:22): its pursuit and possession can dominate a life and harden a heart. Money is unreliable (Proverbs 23:5), promising much but guaranteeing little (Matthew 13:22). Money is temporal (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Proverbs 13:22) – it belongs to this life but leaves an echo behind. Money is revealing (Matthew 6:21; 1 Timothy 5:8; Psalm 112:5) – show me your bank account and budget, and I can read your heart! Money is also useful (2 Corinthians 9:7; Matthew 6:1-4; Malachi 3:10).
Consider what Augustine said: ‘the good make use of this world in order to enjoy God, whereas the evil want to make use of God in order to enjoy the world.’
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