…Your neighbors have “recycle bins” they’d love for you to use!

In other words, we have better uses for our “extra” finances than just spending them selfishly on things we don’t need.

“All well and good”, a prosperous person may retort, “But I worked long and hard to get where I am and have what I have today! Why should a bunch of lazy bums feel they’re entitled to a handout?”

True, we don’t want to encourage laziness and irresponsibility. But what about those who would work if they could get hired? What about those living in places where bad governments and policies keep them from thinking past their next meal? What about those with mental and physical illnesses/disabilities that render them incapable of gainful employment? What if treatment were available that could cure those illnesses but is beyond reach for them due to lack of finances?

Plus, what makes rich people’s selfish spending any better than poor people’s selfish entitlement attitude? It’s all selfish! Instead, we can choose the way of generosity, the way of ultimate blessing.

“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” Prov. 22:9

This is a way for those who say we belong to God’s family to prove it and represent Him well:

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-17

Sure, let’s not throw away our money on people who will use it to harm themselves and others. Let’s not perpetuate a welfare mentality where people play the system to get more by being lazy than they would by working. Let’s not allow the government to overtax people just to be worse financial stewards than we would be.

At the same, we need to be good and better financial stewards ourselves.

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Tim. 6:17-19

This means seeking out ways to not just dispose of our income, but to invest it in improving lives and society. We can:

• Give to those in real need—donate to someone’s operation and/or treatment, send money to those devastated by natural disasters, etc.
• Give to projects that lift people out of perpetual poverty, and provide training and livelihoods for them—such as agricultural, animal husbandry, skills training, etc.
• Hire a homeless person if they have the skills and mental capability for the job.
• Create jobs by starting businesses—domestic or overseas
• Set up training centers, local or overseas, to train people in useful skills, and staff them with people needing jobs.
• Help out a friend or neighbor.

If we don’t approve of throwing away good food, why would we “dispose” of good money?

With Christmas shopping season already upon us and people forgetting about Thanksgiving in between, let’s not waste our income selfishly on things we don’t really need. Let’s fill someone else’s empty stomach, empty home (or need of home), and/or empty heart.

Not begrudgingly, equating giving with having our teeth pulled, but gladly, thankful for the opportunity and ability to give.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:7

Rejoicing in the ability to give hits home for my husband and I, who, because of the economic meltdown in 2008, struggled financially from 2010-2013. We still gave what we could but wished we could give more and be on the giving end more often. Fast forward to the last few years. While we certainly don’t have “disposable income”, when we see financial needs, rather than sadly wish we could do something to fill them, we gladly pray about which ones and how much He wants us to give toward. No one can completely fill everyone’s needs on our own, but each of us can where and how much He directs.

This honors and pleases the Lord, Who gives us all we have to begin with.

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind (generous) to the needy honors God.” Prov. 14:31

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Heb. 13:16

It also gives us the best EROI—Eternal Return On Investment. That beats our own trash can any day!