How Should We Spend?

How Should We Spend?

Imagine being part of a small church that generously gave financially, nearly reaching into the six-figure range. Now imagine asking the church: “How will it wisely steward that large sum of money?” The answer comes down to basically three things: 1) The church could spend it on itself; 2) save it for future concerns; or 3) give the money to further the Lord’s work. Fortunately, God addresses all of these in 1 Timothy 6:17-19, but in the context of how wealthy Christians ought to steward their own money. (Admittedly, by giving to the church, one is doing all three, but suspend your erudite logic for a moment and entertain me, will ya?)

1. The Bible states that God blesses people materially: “God, who richly supplies us with all good things to enjoy” (v. 17). Though the Bible warns against extravagance (Proverbs 21.17), the Word does not mandate ascetic living or depriving ourselves of nice things. The Bible is full of God providing an abundance for His people to enjoy and celebrate. We enjoy those things in a God-centered way that brings Him glory through our praise and acknowledgement of His goodness. The church can spend money on itself. 
2. Verse 17 states that wealthy people should not “set their hope on he uncertainty of riches, but on God.” And in verse 19, they should store up for themselves treasure “for the future.” This teaches that giving is an act of faith in which believers give to store up treasure in heaven, surpassing the earthly security that wealth might provide on earth. Nevertheless, Paul assumes that the wealthy will still be rich after giving generously. As concerns arise, resources will remain available to address them in the future. Scanning the Proverbs, saving for future concerns is wise stewardship (10.15, 13.22, 21.5). The church saves for future concerns. 
3. In verse 18, Paul tells Timothy to “command them…to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” Our resources have been given to us by God, and we ought to be generous with them. This is our stewardship responsibility. Stewardship means giving wisely, and giving wisely means giving carefully. For example, the Bible warns about not giving to those who refuse to work (2 Thessalonians 3.10). It is essential to know where our money is going. We should research ministries, solicit the doctrine of those we support, and determine whether the mission is biblical and aligns with Scripture. The Bible reminds us that wealth is a means to some other end. It’s not the end in itself. God determines the end. The church gives to further the Lord’s work.

Let’s no longer imagine a church that generously gives. We are that church, a community known for its generosity and commitment to the Lord’s work. Let’s not back off from being that church. We owe an unpayable, infinite debt to our Lord Jesus Christ. He paid our debt for sin by taking it upon Himself and made us rich by imputing His righteousness into our account (2 Corinthians 8.9).

(Idea influenced by James Newheiser, "Table Talk," August 2025)