I've often wrestled with this question and I've been thinking about it again this week. Where's the balance when it comes to working a lot to make enough money, and trusting God to provide?
I know many people who work 2-4 jobs to make sure they and their families live a comfortable life - not necessarily wealthy, but comfortable. That means they can take a vacation, put their kids in sports and music lessons, go out to dinner once in a while, etc... They still trust in God of course, but financially they're pretty secure. It's nice because they feel good and they are providing for their families. (Just to clarify, they still make sure to spend time with their families)
But my question is, is that too much? Do we need all those extras?
The other way to live is to trust that God will provide for those who love Him. So work one job where you make enough to pay the bills and that's about it, and then trust God for the rest....
I wrestle with this. I don't know where the balance is - I'm not sure where we as Christians should stand. Christians around the world (who are far more passionate about Christ than we are in the west) would likely say it's all about God, so give everything to Him and trust Him to provide - forget the luxuries. Should we think the same way? Isn't the whole point of this life God and spreading His good news?
Perhaps it's different for every Christian, and I think it likely is. In fact, I think it can change in one's lifetime. At one point in your life you could be in a position where God is telling you just to trust Him to provide, and then there are other times when He gives opportunities for you to make lots of money. So perhaps we each have to find the balance for ourselves.
As I said, I wrestle with this, so leave me a comment, let me know what you think!
I know many people who work 2-4 jobs to make sure they and their families live a comfortable life - not necessarily wealthy, but comfortable. That means they can take a vacation, put their kids in sports and music lessons, go out to dinner once in a while, etc... They still trust in God of course, but financially they're pretty secure. It's nice because they feel good and they are providing for their families. (Just to clarify, they still make sure to spend time with their families)
But my question is, is that too much? Do we need all those extras?
The other way to live is to trust that God will provide for those who love Him. So work one job where you make enough to pay the bills and that's about it, and then trust God for the rest....
I wrestle with this. I don't know where the balance is - I'm not sure where we as Christians should stand. Christians around the world (who are far more passionate about Christ than we are in the west) would likely say it's all about God, so give everything to Him and trust Him to provide - forget the luxuries. Should we think the same way? Isn't the whole point of this life God and spreading His good news?
Perhaps it's different for every Christian, and I think it likely is. In fact, I think it can change in one's lifetime. At one point in your life you could be in a position where God is telling you just to trust Him to provide, and then there are other times when He gives opportunities for you to make lots of money. So perhaps we each have to find the balance for ourselves.
As I said, I wrestle with this, so leave me a comment, let me know what you think!
