Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do or Do Without

February 8, 2016
Pastor Jeff Lampl

(Jesus) told them this story: "The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop.  He talked to himself: 'What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest.'  Then he said, 'Here's what I'll do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods,  and I'll say to myself, Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!'  "Just then God showed up and said, 'Fool! Tonight you die. And your barn full of goods—who gets it?'  "That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God." Luke 12:16-21 (MSG)

During World War 2, our nation’s leaders used the slogan pictured above to encourage people to save, practice frugality, to “make do”, so that they would have enough for themselves, but also so that they wouldn’t hoard scarce resources at the expense of others.

Hoarding is not saving.  Hoarding is all about self.  The rich man in Jesus’ story was a certain kind of hoarder.  Some would say he was simply investing as any American of means would invest.   The whole point of capitalism is to allow for the accumulation of wealth right?  Why wouldn’t he buy more barns?

Jesus tells us two things.  First, none of us can bank on tomorrow.  Second the whole point of wealth accumulation is to share it, give it away,

Nor is the Christian view of money about doing without, as the slogan above implies.  There is nothing wrong with lots of resources.   If our hearts manage them for others, rather than becoming cooped by them, then we’re in a right place.  The Bible tells us to save for both reasons:   so that we are prepared for hard times and so that we have margin to be able to bless others.  

“look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you. . .  All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions.  If you don’t do this poverty will knock at your door.       Prov.6:6-11

 Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.                                                                                                                                            Proverbs 13:11 (NIV 2011)

According to the US Census Bureau in 2012 only 38 % of Americans had an emergency savings account while

25% had no savings at all.   Saving is the key to ending the debt cycle.

Are any of the following savings steps ones that you might be able to take?

Decide to save even if you are in debt

Pray:  Ask God to show you where to find margin in your budget

Give a % to the Lord

Choose an amount to save, no matter how small and start

Wait 30 days before any major purchase

Put all change in a jar and deposit it quarterly

Pay off your car, continue the payments putting them into savings,

wait three years, then trade your car in for a used car

Use it up, wear it out.  Make due, or do without.