Should we...?

[Jesus4ever]

Ok, brothers, one more thing I´ve been wondering about.

As christians, we are to love, serve and honor our dear Lord! One thing I think very much (and do many times), is to help those who need, giving money, buying food, paying for meals, meds, etc. I try to do that every months and, if possible, several times. And I really feel very good doing that and thank the Lord every time He allows/tells me to do that.

However, the question I have is:

- How "far" should we go to help others? Should we "sacrifice" ourselves in order to give everything to those who need?


Let´s see this example:

- A christian has $1000 every month from his salary. His general expenses per month are about $650, which gives $350 left. From those $350, he helps people in need with $100 a month, which gives him $250 to spend as he wishes. Let´s say, for example, he wants to buy a new cell phone with those $250. After thinking about it, he decides to buy that cell phone he really wanted to have.

This leaves us the question:

- Should he have given those $250 to help people in need, instead of buying an asset he wished so much to have? Should we simply ignore our wishes and use our money to serve others and then, Him?



Thoughts would be appreciated!


God bless you, brothers and sister!

 

[Willie-T]

If it bothers you, don't do it. There was a reason the Lord said we were to be CHEERFUL givers.

 

[Jesus4ever]

If it bothers you, don't do it. There was a reason the Lord said we were to be CHEERFUL givers.

Brothers me, what, brother? To give all the money I can to need ones, or to spend the available money in other things and then feeling bad about it?

 

[Willie-T]

Brothers me, what, brother? To give all the money I can to need ones, or to spend the available money in other things and then feeling bad about it?

Either one. Try to stop making this concept about $.

 

[jsr1221]

My job requires me to have a phone. So I need to make sure that I always have AT LEAST 40 dollars a month to have a working phone. You're supposed to take care of yourself in addition to helping others. I get paid 10 dollars an hour and having to pay back student loans in the process while saving for graduate school in the future, yet I'm still able to help those that are more in need. It doesn't matter how much you're able to. Whether it's a dollar or 1,000 dollars. God expects us to give out of love, rather than out of obligation.

 

[JesusLives]

I think it depends on the item you are buying.....a phone can also be used by God as in those who need your help have a way to contact you.... but if it were jewelry or some type of a want item rather than a useful or needed item then you might want to reconsider....

Pray about it in any case and let the Lord lead you. But I would not feel guilty if there was something you were buying that could also help in the cause of God's kingdom.... Listen to what God is leading you to do....

 

[Jesus4ever]

For example, I like movies, and sometimes I buy DVDs of original movies (going to piracy sites or download the movies is something I won´t do). And yeah, sometimes I think: "These $10 I gave for this movie, something that I will use for personal satisfaction, could have been given to give food to someone that needs, or to help others in health care."

Guess I have to pray more about this...!

 

[Joidevivre]

Don't deny yourself some joys in life. It is just a matter of moderation and balance. There are more ways to help people than giving them $$. To give someone hours of your time just listening to them might be all they need. To drive them somewhere. To help clean their yard or house. To shop for them. I could go on and on.....

But when it comes to helping others, pray first about the person's need, and really follow the direction the Lord gives you. If you feel "nothing", give nothing at that time. Sometimes we rush in too fast and the Lord has things He wants to teach them during their struggles. We interfere sometimes with what the Lord is working in their heart.

Keep praying for the person - there might come a different day when you are inspired to now give something.

 

[Jesus4ever]

Don't deny yourself some joys in life. It is just a matter of moderation and balance. There are more ways to help people than giving them $$. To give someone hours of your time just listening to them might be all they need. To drive them somewhere. To help clean their yard or house. To shop for them. I could go on and on.....

But when it comes to helping others, pray first about the person's need, and really follow the direction the Lord gives you. If you feel "nothing", give nothing at that time. Sometimes we rush in too fast and the Lord has things He wants to teach them during their struggles. We interfere sometimes with what the Lord is working in their heart.

Keep praying for the person - there might come a different day when you are inspired to now give something.

I see, sister. But this is not only about giving money to others. In fact, I rarely do that, because it can be used in alcohol, drugs, etc. Most of the times I ask if people are hungry, or I buy food, medication, etc. Of course one can help in many other ways besides these. But my main question here is about using the money that God gives me to honor Him the best way I can, and that leads me to the question I asked.

 

[Dan58]

Its a good feeling to help others in need, but never feel guilty about not giving every extra dollar you have to others. Use wise judgement. Sometimes helping others removes their incentive to help themselves, and you become an enabler. Jesus didn't heal everyone and you should not feel obligating to help everyone.

If you have $350 left over after paying your own expenses and you give $100 to others, that's 30% of what you net, which is very generous in my opinion. I'd recommend putting something aside for a rainy day. Givings others a little help is nice and the Christian thing to do, but taking on their burdens to the point of having nothing left over for yourself isn't something the bible teaches. There's always someone worse off than yourself, but putting yourself in the same poorhouse isn't necessary. I'd say to help a little when you can and where its truly needed, but don't sacrifice every extra penny or deny yourself some pleasure of your own in the process.

 

[realchild4life]

Ok, brothers, one more thing I´ve been wondering about.

As christians, we are to love, serve and honor our dear Lord! One thing I think very much (and do many times), is to help those who need, giving money, buying food, paying for meals, meds, etc. I try to do that every months and, if possible, several times. And I really feel very good doing that and thank the Lord every time He allows/tells me to do that.

However, the question I have is:

- How "far" should we go to help others? Should we "sacrifice" ourselves in order to give everything to those who need?


Let´s see this example:

- A christian has $1000 every month from his salary. His general expenses per month are about $650, which gives $350 left. From those $350, he helps people in need with $100 a month, which gives him $250 to spend as he wishes. Let´s say, for example, he wants to buy a new cell phone with those $250. After thinking about it, he decides to buy that cell phone he really wanted to have.

This leaves us the question:

- Should he have given those $250 to help people in need, instead of buying an asset he wished so much to have? Should we simply ignore our wishes and use our money to serve others and then, Him?



Thoughts would be appreciated!


God bless you, brothers and sister!

Go as far as your desire lets you and the rest will resolve itself.

 

[atwhatcost]

Ok, brothers, one more thing I´ve been wondering about.

As christians, we are to love, serve and honor our dear Lord! One thing I think very much (and do many times), is to help those who need, giving money, buying food, paying for meals, meds, etc. I try to do that every months and, if possible, several times. And I really feel very good doing that and thank the Lord every time He allows/tells me to do that.

However, the question I have is:

- How "far" should we go to help others? Should we "sacrifice" ourselves in order to give everything to those who need?


Let´s see this example:

- A christian has $1000 every month from his salary. His general expenses per month are about $650, which gives $350 left. From those $350, he helps people in need with $100 a month, which gives him $250 to spend as he wishes. Let´s say, for example, he wants to buy a new cell phone with those $250. After thinking about it, he decides to buy that cell phone he really wanted to have.

This leaves us the question:

- Should he have given those $250 to help people in need, instead of buying an asset he wished so much to have? Should we simply ignore our wishes and use our money to serve others and then, Him?



Thoughts would be appreciated!


God bless you, brothers and sister!

I'm sorry. I see no purpose in buying a $250 cell phone. Why buy more than you need? Kind of like buying a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud when a Saturn will do. I have no problems with a splurge once in a while, but I have to live within my means and a $250 cell phone is not within my means. (I also make less than $1000 a month.)

Focus on Christ and use the common sense he gives us.

 

[BarlyGurl]

Hmmm, Regarding "cheerful giving", I didn't notice an accounting of a TITHE from the gross budget... no mention at all.

 

[Dino246]

Hmmm, Regarding "cheerful giving", I didn't notice an accounting of a TITHE from the gross budget... no mention at all.

I must respectfully disagree with your position. As Christians we aren't under the Law. The OP is giving as the New Testament directs: regularly, cheerfully, from his heart, to meet the needs of others.

Tithing is mentioned only four times in the NT; in three, Jesus is criticizing the Pharisees, and the fourth is Hebrews 7 where the writer is discussing Abram and Melchizedek. It wasn't mentioned in the letter of Acts 15. Much as certain believers want it to be a Church doctrine, it isn't. If Paul were so incensed at those who preached circumcision in Galatians, would he not also condemn the legalistic requirement to pay tithes? Granted it's an argument from silence, but the deductive principle is sound.

Blessings,
Dino

 

[BarlyGurl]

I must respectfully disagree with your position. As Christians we aren't under the Law. The OP is giving as the New Testament directs: regularly, cheerfully, from his heart, to meet the needs of others.

Tithing is mentioned only four times in the NT; in three, Jesus is criticizing the Pharisees, and the fourth is Hebrews 7 where the writer is discussing Abram and Melchizedek. It wasn't mentioned in the letter of Acts 15. Much as certain believers want it to be a Church doctrine, it isn't. If Paul were so incensed at those who preached circumcision in Galatians, would he not also condemn the legalistic requirement to pay tithes? Granted it's an argument from silence, but the deductive principle is sound.

Blessings,
Dino

Discussion is good! I entirely agree that the tithe is mentioned just as you describe in the NT. Jesus DID mention the "tithe" in chastising the Pharisees...
Luke 11:39 But the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. 40"You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41"But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you. 42 "Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.
I read the passage here is very clearly Jesus is saying... the inside of these men are filthy because they neglect justice and the love of God... which they SHOULD be doing as well as tithing.
I will continue to CHEERFULLY give a tithe from my gross income, because GOD is my provider and FIRST in my life... I will also continue to give sacrificially from my resources to help others in need.

 

[Jesus4ever]

Hmmm, Regarding "cheerful giving", I didn't notice an accounting of a TITHE from the gross budget... no mention at all.

Well, since you mention it, I agree with contribution to church, also.

 

[blondieindahouse]

For example, I like movies, and sometimes I buy DVDs of original movies (going to piracy sites or download the movies is something I won´t do). And yeah, sometimes I think: "These $10 I gave for this movie, something that I will use for personal satisfaction, could have been given to give food to someone that needs, or to help others in health care."

Guess I have to pray more about this...!

The Lord wants us to have SOME nice things! The Lord hates the love of money and an over abundance of things gained by money. We all know by the leading of the Holy Spirit when we have gone overboard . Its called gluttony.

If it makes you feel better;when you buy a new movie,donate one youve seen quite a few times to someone else. Its all about balance. God knows our hearts and lovingly guides us to more understanding day in and day out .

 

[blondieindahouse]

I'm sorry. I see no purpose in buying a $250 cell phone. Why buy more than you need? Kind of like buying a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud when a Saturn will do. I have no problems with a splurge once in a while, but I have to live within my means and a $250 cell phone is not within my means. (I also make less than $1000 a month.)

Focus on Christ and use the common sense he gives us.

I agree! My cell phone cost me 40 bucks and 40 bucks a month. But then;that may be his splurge! Your splurge may not match his idea of a splurge. Splurge is the word to focus on here. Its easy to sit back and say he shouldnt do this and that but what about the cigarettes a smoker buys? How much money is put out for that? Is that common sense? Do you relate?

 

[BarlyGurl]

The Lord wants us to have SOME nice things! The Lord hates the love of money and an over abundance of things gained by money. We all know by the leading of the Holy Spirit when we have gone overboard . Its called gluttony.

If it makes you feel better;when you buy a new movie,donate one youve seen quite a few times to someone else. Its all about balance. God knows our hearts and lovingly guides us to more understanding day in and day out . [/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]

If everybody KNOWS by the HS when they have gone overboard to gluttony... there would be absolutely NO OBEESE CHRISTIANS! If your statement was accurate, NO ONE would suffer from food gluttony... yet we have an entire nation that is gluttonous with both food and material goods... insatiable comes to mind. It is not about "balance", it is about renewing your mind in Christ which the OP seems to be striving to do. Giving advice which has no scriptural basis is being wordly.

 

[atwhatcost]

I agree! My cell phone cost me 40 bucks and 40 bucks a month. But then;that may be his splurge! Your splurge may not match his idea of a splurge. Splurge is the word to focus on here. Its easy to sit back and say he shouldnt do this and that but what about the cigarettes a smoker buys? How much money is put out for that? Is that common sense? Do you relate?

If you're living on $1000 a month and buy a $250 phone, you don't think the calling plan is going to continue to set you back more and more in the following months? It's not merely the cost of the Rolls, it's the upkeep too. (I picked a Rolls because we used to live near the only Rolls Royce auto mechanic in the Mid Atlantic states. There's an old saying, "If you have to ask how much it costs to fix it, you can't afford it." lol Same deal with $250 cell phones and the plans that go with them.)

I think it's prudent to live within our means. If we don't, then we get angry with God when we don't have the money to pay for something unexpected.