Has God blessed you with more money than you can spend? Or has he given you just enough to make it by? You see, most people would answer one of these two questions positively. And I am beginning to realize that both of these people have been given more than they really do need. See the first person obviously has too much, they are the people who drive the super nice SUV’s, have a five bedroom house with hardwood floors, stainless steel kitchen appliances, and spend most of their time either at the beach or at the gym with their personal trainer. But the second person is much different; they spend a lot of their time at work, but they have a decent car, always have satisfying meals, and can generally be somewhat frivolous in their recreational life.

You see the the first person is very blessed. And it is obvious that he has been given more than he really needs. The money that is used to pay for the extravagant house, beautiful car, and whatever else; can and I believe should be used to support those who are less fortunate than himself. About 13% of Americans are currently living in poverty. If people would simply settle for a less extravagant lifestyle, and donate towards a foundation which supports families whom are struggling financially, then maybe this number would drop.

The second group of people are not so obviously well off. But when you compare them to a person who doesn’t have enough money to pay for the rent of their studio apartment in the worst part of town, then you begin to place their wealth into perspective. I personally fall into this second category. I have enough to be happy. I have an apartement which I make my payment on; I have a car that gets me from point A to point B; I eat satisfying meals 3 times a day; and I never feel like I am going to have to make the choice between food or rent. But many people do have to make that choice.

Lately I have been really convicted about being a better steward to what the Lord has given me. I am not saying we have to give to the point that we too are in poverty, but I am saying that maybe we should consider the amount of money we spend on things that we don’t need. Some of these things could be books, music or movies from iTunes, excessive car washes, etc.

I think you get my point. I just feel like we need to be a little more conscious about what we spend our money on, and why we are actually spending it. Also, I don’t think it is right to give away all of your money to the point that you too are in need. God has given you what you have for a reason. And you need to be wise in the way that you spend it. He most likely wants you to be somewhat comfortable if he has given you enough to be that way, but he may also be calling you to trust him by giving part of what you make to others who are in desperate need.

Don’t be rash in your decision to donate, but prayerfully consider it. Maybe just begin to watch what you are spending, and put away what you are saving until you are sure about the direction the Lord is leading you in. And to those of you who have millions of extra just sitting around, imagine how much you could help a hungry family with the millions you will never spend. Don’t let the money God has given you go to waste. Use it!