Wiser and Happier: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

Money Matters: Saving money God’s way As recently as the mid-1980s, Americans were saving money at a 10% rate. That is, for every $100 they grossed, they would save $10. Do you know what the savings rate is now? 0%. Yep, you heard me--0%. That sounds to me like the behavior of people who either think they have no future or who are simply assuming that someone else will take care of them when they are old. The Bible does indeed warn us of the dangers of materialism. Money can easily become a god that people adore and trust. But that doesn’t mean that poverty should be a life goal for Christians. God vigorously approves of the concept of building wealth for you and your family. A few fortunate people build their retirement funds through a large inheritance or gift. The rest of us need to grow it bit by bit. It is a wonderful discipline to spend less than you make and save the difference. Here is Solomon’s advice: “He who gathers money little by little makes it grow” (Proverbs 13:11). Start young.