DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I know we’re supposed to be generous with our money and help others and all that, but when my wife and I look at all the economic uncertainty today, we believe we need to save every penny we can for our retirement. Are we wrong to think this way?
- M.H.
DEAR M.H.: It’s not wrong to work hard and save for the future. After all, if you don’t you’ll have to depend on someone else to take care of you. The Bible says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty” (Proverbs 21:5, NKJV).
But it is wrong to be stingy with our money or refuse to help others in need. On one occasion, Jesus drew His disciples’ attention to a poor widow who possessed only two small coins, yet she gave both of them to support God’s work. Others gave much larger amounts, but Jesus commended her, because she was willing to sacrifice all she had to help others. (You can read about her in Mark 12:41-44.) The Bible says, “If anyone is poor … do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them” (Deuteronomy 15:7).
The real issue, however, is who has control of your money - you or God? Remember, everything we have comes from God, and we are only trustees of it. Ask God to help you be wise in the use of your money, not only setting aside some for your latter years, but also using it right now to help others. Begin by generously supporting your church.
Does this seem unwise to you? Perhaps the deeper issue is that you’ve never really committed your lives to Jesus Christ. If not, make Him the center and foundation of your lives. He gave His all for you; why should you do less?
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at billygraham.org
ActiveStyle, Pages 28 on 01/13/2014