Are You Hoarding or Giving?

We are challenged to examine how we use our resources—by hoarding or giving. Are we stockpiling for self or sowing into eternity?

“There is a sickening evil which I have seen … wealth being hoarded by its owner to his detriment. When that wealth was lost … there was nothing to support him. As he came naked from his mother’s womb, so he will return.”—Ecclesiastes 5:13–15 NASB

The Bible describes a “sickening evil.” This evil is “wealth being hoarded by its owner to his detriment.”

Such a person has been blessed abundantly by God but has “hoarded” these blessings. Instead of investing them in the lives of others or supporting the work of God, he only indulges himself.

Such a mindset is short sighted. Through various economic conditions, a person’s wealth may diminish. Then, when money is needed, nothing is left. He learns too late that everything in life is temporary. We are born with nothing, and we die with nothing (1 Timothy 6:7).

Many people are like this rich man, merely thinking about themselves and their personal pleasures, not caring about eternal things or concerned about the needs of others.

The Bible tells us that God gives His blessings and eternal riches to those who give rather than hoard, who invest in the lives of others, who seek first His Kingdom, and who realize that He has blessed them so they can be a blessing to others.

Today, ask yourself what you’re doing with the resources God has given you. Look for opportunities to invest in the lives of others. As Jesus advised in Matthew 25:35–36, seek to meet the needs of the poor and hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison, pray for the sick. When we seek first His Kingdom, we make investments that will pay dividends—both here on earth and in eternity.

Reflection Question: How are you using what God has given you to bless others?