Does Frugality = Stewardship?

Do you go without things you need just to save money? Maybe you’re like the person who sleeps on the floor just to avoid spending money on a bed. 

Another warning sign is hoarding. You buy items when the price is low, ending up with closets full of toothpaste or toilet paper. Or you refuse to throw things away, thinking you might use them later. This can be a warning sign for lack of trust in God’s provision.

If you think about frugality as a competition or feel pressured to do it, you may have the wrong attitude. And if spending any money at all stresses you out, that’s an indication that you’re missing out on God’s peace.

A final sign that you might be taking frugality too far, is if you resent having to give or share anything, even if it’s just a potluck supper or a church fundraiser. The fact is, God calls us to be generous. If penny-pinching kills your generosity, you’re missing out on God’s blessings. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

As with every kind of behavior, there’s always an underlying mindset that triggers our actions. We’ve found that, in most cases, overdoing it on frugality springs from a lack of balance. It’s okay to clip coupons, for example, just don’t spend ten hours a week doing it. Your time is valuable, too.

Paying attention to the basic health and well-being of yourself and your family is more important than shaving a few dollars off the power bill or grocery costs. And, while there’s nothing inherently wrong with spending money, there are more important things in life than money. Generosity towards others, for example, can bring joy that far outweighs a few extra dollars in the bank.

So, if you find that your frugality is looking more like foolishness, it’s time to restore the balance. Jesus has the answer for you. “…Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things [things you really need] will be added to you.”

Biblically speaking, stewardship has a larger purpose than frugality. It is to further God’s Kingdom work here on Earth until Jesus comes back. Stewardship also has a spiritual purpose in our own lives: the way we handle our material possessions is a response to what God has done for us.

It’s an outward expression of our gratitude for His love and goodness and provision.

Ultimately, stewardship allows us to turn around and give back to others, spreading the blessings we’ve been given, and the Good News of Jesus Christ.

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