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Originally published on April 4, 2011.
This devotion is part of a series of devotions on how to grow in your walk with God. If you have not already done so, you may find it helpful to read the introductory devotion, Growing in God: Mommy Edition.
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “frugal”? I’ll admit that for me, “frugal” used to connote “miserly” or “cheap”. Now, however, it means something far more and far better. That’s because frugality is a way to bring blessings not only to your own family but also to others. Even better, it brings glory to God.
Explaining frugality to kids can be hard. I remember the time when I told Ellie (then five years old) that we didn’t have enough money for a particular item. She suggested that we simply go to the ATM and get some more money. I explained that the ATM only gives you the money that you have put into the bank, and that eventually, you run out. “Oh,” she said, disappointed.
Money, like all other earthly resources, is not unlimited. God has allowed each of us to be stewards of a certain amount and no more. If we misuse our resources, or tie them up in things that are of secondary importance, we won’t have the ability to pursue things that are of primary significance.
Let’s state the obvious first. If we’re buying luxuries like fashionable new clothes and restaurant meals on credit because we want them but can’t afford them, we’re living beyond the means God has chosen to give us. What that proclaims loudly and clearly both to Him and to a watching world is that we’ve decided He hasn’t provided enough. We would never tell Him that directly, but our actions and spending habits show that’s what we believe. Frugality, therefore, is a way to show God and the world that we’re content with what He’s provided. It means not buying things we can’t really afford. It means not living right at the edge of our means so that we can have a little financial breathing room, and maybe even save up so that in case an emergency comes along, we’re covered. How much glory to God would it bring if Christians everywhere started living within the means God has given them, and being content with that?
In addition to bringing glory to God, frugality also brings blessings to ourselves, our families, and others. It’s a huge blessing for a family to live within their means. Mom and Dad aren’t as likely to be stressed and fighting about money; the children learn to be content with what they have; and everybody enjoys the freedom to save up money in order to make special purchases instead of having to scare up some money to meet the bills for purchases that have already been enjoyed. When we don’t have credit card bills, we don’t pay interest, which is pretty much like throwing money down a hole. The money we would have spent on interest can be used for other things.
What about blessing others financially? It’s a whole lot easier if we’ve been frugal all along. Then, we might have money saved up to bless others with when something unexpected (or even expected) comes up. Some people may wonder how they can bless others financially when things are so tight at home. But remember the widow with her two mites? Jesus said she gave more than everybody else because she gave out of her poverty. She didn’t give directly to someone; she was putting her money into the temple treasury. But others were blessed through the use of her money. It’s the same way with us. God can take our loaves and fishes and multiply them a thousandfold. Our part in reaching out to starving people in other countries or people in need right here at home is no less valuable just because we didn’t give as much as someone else. But if we’ve wasted all our money by not being frugal, we won’t have as much with which to bless others when the opportunity comes. To take that a step further, what if God decided to call your family to another location or even another county to serve Him there? Are your financial affairs in order such that you could pick up and move with little trouble? If not, you may be limiting the ways in which He can use you.
God doesn’t ask us to be good stewards of our money just so He can take all the fun out of life. He doesn’t ask for frugality so He can deprive us of material possessions that would be good for us. He asks us to live within our means so we can learn to trust Him and His provision; so that we can bless others; and so we can be blessed ourselves. Frugality should be a joy. Look at all the blessings it leads to!
Luke 12:29-31, 34—And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
I’d Love to Hear from You!
The main reason I write is to be a blessing to other moms, and I’d feel blessed to hear back from you. Feel free leave a public comment below or contact me privately with your own words of encouragement, comments, suggestions, questions, concerns, requests to speak at your church or mothers’ group, or anything else that’s on your mind. — Megan Breedlove