Today’s scripture: Genesis 41:1-36 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Jeff Miner):
For me, today’s passage raises a profound spiritual question: how much of our income should we try to save for future contingencies? On the one hand, I’m acutely aware that most of the world’s population doesn’t have the luxury of saving anything. Just surviving day-to-day is an all-consuming challenge. But we have the blessing of living in a land of prosperity. So, as in today’s Bible story, we sometimes have the chance to save for the future. Should we? And if so, how much?
These questions are difficult because they lie at the intersection of two competing spiritual principles. On the one hand, Jesus said things like:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20.
On the other hand, there are other passages in the Bible that seem to encourage saving. For example:
“Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool devours it.” Proverbs 21:20.
“The good leave an inheritance to their children’s children…“ Proverbs 13:21.
So how should we proceed? Should we moderate our spending and giving in the present to lay up provisions for “lean years” (like old age)? Or should we spend and give virtually all our income now, trusting God will provide for our future?
Honestly, I don’t know. On most spiritual issues, I have a strong opinion, but this one truly stumps me. So let’s get a conversation going. What do you think? If you’re reading this on Facebook, please post your thoughts below. If you’re reading it elsewhere, please take the time to go to the LifeJourney Facebook page, where you’ll find this devotional posted, and share your thoughts. Let’s see if we can figure this out together.
Thought for the day: What is the Spirit of God saying to you? Do you feel led to save more — or less — for the future — and why? Join the conversation on Facebook.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.