Awhile back I fell into thinking that I should live on less so I could give more even if that meant 2nd hand clothes that didn’t fit right and never taking that dream vacation.There are these ideas out there that Christianity wants you to give everything you have away, that being rich is wrong, or that money is the root of all evil (Will do R=root).
The Bible actually has advice for the rich among God’s people, and it might not be what you expect.
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17 NASB)
So whatever God has given me is to be enjoyed? Yes, it is. That may even include a designer outfit. In Proverbs most of one chapter is about this wise woman who works really hard, plans for her household and is what I would call a hard act to follow. Two verses stand out for today’s topic, Enjoy.
21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. (Proverbs 31:21-22 NIV)
Do you ever remember hearing that purple was the color of kings in olden times? That is because the cost to dye clothes purple was sky-high. Scarlet red wasn’t too far behind. Yet here is this woman whose virtues are listed out one by one in the Bible, yet she’s wearing purple around town and sending her kids to school in scarlet!
Absolutely. Enjoy what God has given you. Maybe you also have a calling like I do to pass on somethings in order to support the cause on your heart (Mine is Future Hope Africa). Or maybe you have a knack for getting people perfect gifts that light up their faces. You probably know then what it is to truly enjoy giving.
Whatever we do with these resources, we remember that hope is in God and Him only. Giving everything I can away is not going to get one pinky toe into heaven. When all else passes away and is gone, the only thing I will cling to is Christ, Christ alone (Singing that song in my head now).
–Kristin
Coming at you all April long, more of The Bible Says What?!? (About Your Money).
- E is for Enlightenment England – Destinations and books to take you there from the armchair
- E is for Edmund Kemper – A to Z Serial Killers
- E is for Educate or Regurgitate – Attitudes and Gratitudes presented in a dialogue/story (retired school teacher)
Find more AtoZ Blogs by searching Twitter for these hashtags: #AprilA2Z/#AtoZChallenge/#A2ZChallenge
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Kristin King began her study of the financial principles in the Bible during tight times in 1999 and has never stopped learning and teaching. She recommends joining the Crown.org newsletter for uplifting testimonies, solid teaching and applications. Kristin is also available for speaking engagements as time allows. Message her on Facebook at Kristin F. Chaudoin King for more information.
Kristin King Author 
AJ Blythe
April 7, 2018 at 8:07 am
Hi Kristin, thanks for the mention and retweet (from http://www.ajblyhte.com).
I hadn’t given thought to clothing colour and what it meant in days gone past. I wouldn’t have picked purple as an expensive colour because there are so many purple flowers and fruits I assumed they could have used to create the colour. I’ve learnt something new =)