Is it wrong to spend money on yourself?

[Gideon300]

Deuteronomy 14:22-27

You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.

But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away, then exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household. And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.

I disagree with the false prosperity gospel. God knows our weaknesses. Money is a trap for some (the deceitfulness of riches, for example). However, there is another extreme, where poverty is promoted as something admirable. It seems me that neither excess abundance not abject poverty are good.

Those who imagine that God hates to see us blessed and enjoying the result of our work need to think again. God commanded Israel to spend a tenth of their produce in God's chosen dwelling place, which was Jerusalem eventually. And God also said that it is the individual's choice as to how they spend it.

Ananias and Sapphira's sin was not that they had money from the sale of their land. It was that they lied about how much they had given to the church.

"Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?" Acts 5:4

It is shameful for a church not to pay its pastor a living wage, if it is within the people's means. It is also shameful to try and manipulate and control people by harping on about giving.

I suppose this is a dilemma for SDA and the legalists. They will have to go to Israel to spend their tenth. It would be a boon for Israel's economy, so that would be a good thing.​

 

[Burn1986]

Yes. It’s wrong.

 

[Tall_Timbers]

I spend money on myself nearly every day. How else am I to live if I don't eat and to eat I must spend in this world I live in. Even if I catch fish for food I still have to buy a fishing license. Same with wild game...

 

[OMC]

Deuteronomy 14:22-27

You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.

But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away, then exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household. And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.

I disagree with the false prosperity gospel. God knows our weaknesses. Money is a trap for some (the deceitfulness of riches, for example). However, there is another extreme, where poverty is promoted as something admirable. It seems me that neither excess abundance not abject poverty are good.

Those who imagine that God hates to see us blessed and enjoying the result of our work need to think again. God commanded Israel to spend a tenth of their produce in God's chosen dwelling place, which was Jerusalem eventually. And God also said that it is the individual's choice as to how they spend it.

Ananias and Sapphira's sin was not that they had money from the sale of their land. It was that they lied about how much they had given to the church.

"Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?" Acts 5:4

It is shameful for a church not to pay its pastor a living wage, if it is within the people's means. It is also shameful to try and manipulate and control people by harping on about giving.

I suppose this is a dilemma for SDA and the legalists. They will have to go to Israel to spend their tenth. It would be a boon for Israel's economy, so that would be a good thing.​

I agree that Scripture does not present poverty as inherently holy or prosperity as inherently spiritual.
Deuteronomy 14:22-27 shows that God gave Israel provisions to rejoice before Him with the blessings He had given them.
At the same time, that passage belongs to the Mosaic covenant and includes requirements, such as bringing the tithe to the place God chose, that few modern tithing advocates consistently apply.
The lesson I take from it is not that wealth is evil or that believers must be poor, but that God's gifts are to be received with gratitude, enjoyed responsibly, and used in a way that honors Him rather than becoming an idol.
Acts 5 also confirms that Ananias' sin was deceit, not ownership.
Scripture warns against both the love of money and the envy of those who have it.

 

[Blade]

Pfft.. there is no.. even those that believe in prosperity, as in Word of Faith, Presbyterian, Baptist, you name it all say there is no such a thing as prosperity gospel in the word of God. Prosperity gospel..to say that is to hurt them, make fun of them, not love them.
And if you ask them, they'll show you in God's word where prosperity is promised. But believe it or not, it is not written in God's word, "prosperity gospel." So quote them when they tell you it's not written in God's word.

Gods word.. we don't answer to man so if you wanna spend money on me me me do it or don't. Its not God condemning and judging.. its Satan and Christians. There is no verse where money is the root of all evil. Its the love of money. There are many many verses on Prosperity.. by God. So don't tell man its wrong.. tell GOD. Some choose to believe some do not.

 

[sawdust]

Deuteronomy 14:22-27

You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.

But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away, then exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household. And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.

I disagree with the false prosperity gospel. God knows our weaknesses. Money is a trap for some (the deceitfulness of riches, for example). However, there is another extreme, where poverty is promoted as something admirable. It seems me that neither excess abundance not abject poverty are good.

Those who imagine that God hates to see us blessed and enjoying the result of our work need to think again. God commanded Israel to spend a tenth of their produce in God's chosen dwelling place, which was Jerusalem eventually. And God also said that it is the individual's choice as to how they spend it.

Ananias and Sapphira's sin was not that they had money from the sale of their land. It was that they lied about how much they had given to the church.

"Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?" Acts 5:4

It is shameful for a church not to pay its pastor a living wage, if it is within the people's means. It is also shameful to try and manipulate and control people by harping on about giving.

I suppose this is a dilemma for SDA and the legalists. They will have to go to Israel to spend their tenth. It would be a boon for Israel's economy, so that would be a good thing.​

Some of the most faithful people in scripture were also the richest (within the context of their time). Job is one example. He was very rich and prominent in his society before he was tested and after, was made even richer. Job 42:12-16

Riches are not the problem, it is the love of money more than God that leads to trouble and you can insert what ever you like in the place of riches/money.

If the Lord Jesus Christ is not one's number one priority in life, one will not care and will not share.

 

[tablet123]

God only supplies us with our needs not our wants.

Some people pray amiss to help it upon their lists.

The love of money is the root of all evil for it neglects the poor and needy, and love is the fulfilling of the law.

Jesus told the rich man to sell all he had and give to the poor then he would be perfect to enter heaven for that is love.

The early Church sold all they had and distribution was made for all people that had need.

And they had all things common and did not look on their own as their own which they shared everything and took care of each other.

Paul said if a person is not willing to work then they are not worthy to eat.

Which weed out the lazy ones and say you have to fend for yourself for why should we take care of your no working self.

You know like kids when they turn 18 want to mooch off the parents for a while taking it easy.

The first Church was neglecting how they operated when the Church started.

Which Jesus said they left their first love which they were neglecting the poor and needy and said they were fallen and to correct it.

Because charity, love in action, is greater than faith.

And faith works by love.

No love then no faith.

Which John said do not love in word but in deeds which love is only valid in works which is why the Bible calls it charity.

If people do not care about the poor and needy then that is not love.

What it boils down to is we cannot buy anything for ourself that is not a necessity.

For people are more important than our wants.

This is the New Testament.

So we only go by our needs so no matter how much money we have from our job or another income source we are only to go by our needs and in moderation.

People cry about 10% to give to the Church which some say that not wanting to believe it for that leaves them less money to enjoy for themselves.

But what does 10% mean when you cannot enjoy your wants anyway.

As far as 10 percent in the Old Testament it was to support many cities and priests.

But how can that apply to giving a single man that amount of money coming from a congregation of 300 people.

Which many enjoy their wants and pleasures.

But the truth is the money is supposed to go to the poor and needy not for the preacher's lusts.

So then it can be justified for much money going to a single Church.

I do not know if the tithe is in affect in the New Testament seeing we only go by our needs so all people has to give and only go by their needs which would be a different percentage from person to person.

The Bible says Jesus took the physical ordinances of Israel out of the way so they do not apply.

And the Bible does not say to tithe after Jesus ascended putting the New Testament in affect.

I do not see how the tithe comes in to play when we only go by our needs.

 

[carbunculus]

Really all money actually is, is a token of your wealth, or a way in which to not have to many trees on your land, so you grow fifty oak trees and then sell them at 5000 a tree, then your left with a 250.000 bit coin, you can take the sam rule into everything really, then you don't have pay everyone a wage in trees, or what ever other asset is worth something , so money is product of trees and it' also has roots

But really all money is and should be treated as is a means in which you can exchange goods, rather than have to carry 5000 bricks to the shop each week

 

[sawdust]

God only supplies us with our needs not our wants.

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

When our focus is on the Lord's will, He gives to us the wants and then fulfills them. In effect, we want what the Lord wants.

 

[BillG]

Nope it's not.

 

[OMC]

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

When our focus is on the Lord's will, He gives to us the wants and then fulfills them. In effect, we want what the Lord wants.

I believe the Lord is my shepherd and shall not want.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Put God first.
He's the One Who owns and gave to us everything we have.

Acts 17
24God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

Is He not worthy of our tenth plus freewill Offerings?

 

[Churchgoer]

God only supplies us with our needs not our wants.

Some people pray amiss to help it upon their lists.

The love of money is the root of all evil for it neglects the poor and needy, and love is the fulfilling of the law.

Jesus told the rich man to sell all he had and give to the poor then he would be perfect to enter heaven for that is love.

The early Church sold all they had and distribution was made for all people that had need.

And they had all things common and did not look on their own as their own which they shared everything and took care of each other.

Paul said if a person is not willing to work then they are not worthy to eat.

Which weed out the lazy ones and say you have to fend for yourself for why should we take care of your no working self.

You know like kids when they turn 18 want to mooch off the parents for a while taking it easy.

The first Church was neglecting how they operated when the Church started.

Which Jesus said they left their first love which they were neglecting the poor and needy and said they were fallen and to correct it.

Because charity, love in action, is greater than faith.

And faith works by love.

No love then no faith.

Which John said do not love in word but in deeds which love is only valid in works which is why the Bible calls it charity.

If people do not care about the poor and needy then that is not love.

What it boils down to is we cannot buy anything for ourself that is not a necessity.

For people are more important than our wants.

This is the New Testament.

So we only go by our needs so no matter how much money we have from our job or another income source we are only to go by our needs and in moderation.

People cry about 10% to give to the Church which some say that not wanting to believe it for that leaves them less money to enjoy for themselves.

But what does 10% mean when you cannot enjoy your wants anyway.

As far as 10 percent in the Old Testament it was to support many cities and priests.

But how can that apply to giving a single man that amount of money coming from a congregation of 300 people.

Which many enjoy their wants and pleasures.

But the truth is the money is supposed to go to the poor and needy not for the preacher's lusts.

So then it can be justified for much money going to a single Church.

I do not know if the tithe is in affect in the New Testament seeing we only go by our needs so all people has to give and only go by their needs which would be a different percentage from person to person.

The Bible says Jesus took the physical ordinances of Israel out of the way so they do not apply.

And the Bible does not say to tithe after Jesus ascended putting the New Testament in affect.

I do not see how the tithe comes in to play when we only go by our needs.

Offering to church is to pay utilities, rent, insurance, pastors, administration....not just one person.

 

[BillG]

Put God first.
He's the One Who owns and gave to us everything we have.

Acts 17
24God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

Is He not worthy of our tenth plus freewill Offerings?

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

 

[ResidentAlien]

Is it wrong to spend money on yourself?​

Not necessarily; it depends on how much you spend and what you spend it on. You have to buy food unless you want to starve; or medication unless you want to die. I do think it's wrong to be selfish and greedy; we should always try to be generous toward others.

 

[SonJudgment]

It is not wrong to spend your money on yourself. Consider the parable of the Hirer and the Laborers, the Hirer promises the Laborers a penny to work for him, some that worked longer expected more but the Hirer says to them that he had agreed with them for a penny and so paid them what they agreed to and then remarks, 'Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?" (Matthew 20:8-15) So it is neither virtuous nor sinful for you to spend your money on yourself, it's just a moot point really because its already yours.

 

[sawdust]

I believe the Lord is my shepherd and shall not want.

That's because He gives to us our wants and fulfills our needs.

Not sure how you petition the Lord on behalf of others if you have no desires to see their needs fulfilled?

 

[Churchgoer]

Put God first.
He's the One Who owns and gave to us everything we have.

Acts 17
24God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

Is He not worthy of our tenth plus freewill Offerings?

It is a blessing as well as responsibility.

 

[OMC]

That's because He gives to us our wants and fulfills our needs.

Not sure how you petition the Lord on behalf of others if you have no desires to see their needs fulfilled?

I think we're talking past each other because Psalm 23 can be understood in more than one sense.
When I say, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," I'm not claiming I have no desires, no prayers, or no concern for other people. Scripture is full of godly desires.
Paul desired the salvation of Israel (Rom. 10:1).
David desired God (Ps. 42:1).
Believers are commanded to pray for one another.
The point of Psalm 23 is not the absence of desire, but the absence of lack.
David's confidence is that because the Lord is his Shepherd, he lacks nothing necessary for God's purpose in his life.
So I have no difficulty petitioning God for the needs of others.
In fact, doing so is an act of love.
The difference is that I bring those desires to God in trust rather than anxiety.
I can sincerely desire someone's healing, salvation, provision, or deliverance while also believing that my Shepherd knows better than I do and will do what is right.
In other words: "I shall not want" does not mean "I have no desires."
It means: "I am content in the care of my Shepherd even while I bring my desires and the needs of others before Him."
I don't think those ideas are in conflict at all.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

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

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Yes, God loves a cheerful giver.
He wants us to give cheerfully.
Problem is that so many believers were likely never taught to share growing up.
Although they give a big tip to the waitress for 5-10 minutes worth of work, some won't consider sharing a roll of toilet paper for 5 years of hard work studying and teaching the Bible, visiting their sick and holding funerals for their families.