Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together" ... 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
This passage of scripture teaches us that there is a time for everything under the sun, including those activities which we engage in on a day to day basis. In the verses given, the wise man tells us that there is a time to throw away stones and then there is a time to gather stones together, a Biblical principle that can be applied directly to saving for the rainy day. Many people tend to spend wantonly in times of plenty, until hard times come by, and then they begin to tighten their financial belts, a fact which was borne out during the last great recession that almost crippled the financial markets, both at home and abroad. During those days which preceded the financial crash, we experienced what we call a boom, meaning that there was cheap and abundant money everywhere, and businesses were "Booming" because people were spending.
However, when the markets fell precipitously and businesses started to implode, very many of us were caught off-guard, and it was found that ample preparation was not made to withstand the brutal financial headwinds that were blowing across the land, for many people had not put aside sufficient funds or resources for the rainy day. What is sad about the whole episode is that many Christians also got caught up in the crunch, and many lost their homes and others lost their businesses, because of a lack of adequate planning and execution when the markets were booming. The above passage of scripture can help us avoid a repeat of the very same situation, if we were to put the principles contained therein into practice on a daily basis. Let's read:
Deuteronomy 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 8 The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
The "Basket" and the "Store" here referred to are two completely different things, because the basket represents what we earn on a regular basis, whilst the store refers to what is put aside for the rainy day, or for future use. However, we must observe that the instruction for us to be diligent in doing so is also included, meaning that the principles alluded to should be executed on a deliberate, and consistent basis.
In times of plenty there should be disciplined efforts to save for the bad times which will certainly come, and our efforts should not be haphazard in nature, nor driven by impulse and thoughtless action. Whenever a pay check is received, a percentage of what we earn should be put aside for savings, and should not be touched for any reason other than real emergencies, after our tithes and offerings have been taken out first. This practice when carried out on a consistent disciplined basis will prevent to a large extent the adverse situation where we run into the red, with no back up plan in place.
There is a common error that is made over and over again, when based on impulse, we tend to fabricate unreal "Emergencies" in order to excuse ourselves when we desire to purchase an item of clothing or other material, based on what we want, and not on what we actually need. This scenario often occurs when we succumb to impulse buying, which is often triggered momentarily by what dazzles the eye, and not from any well thought out plan of action. What ever the Christian does in life should be the result of careful thought under the guidance and direction of God, for in so doing we will find that we can successfully avert many of the pitfalls and snares that are laid for the feet of the unwary. Let's read:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
It is satan's studied effort to keep the saints in financial bondage, for by so doing he can drive us to extremes in working to pay bills, to the point where our spiritual and social lives are then adversely affected and we bring to God a lame offering, sometimes even dropping asleep in prayer when communing with Him. This is definitely not the will of God, and can be averted to a large extent if we were to practice the necessary disciplines, both financially and spiritually, in being content with what God has provided, and also not spending unwisely in those times of plenty. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which bears this point out, and it is the will of God that we adopt and implement the wise counsels written in the Bible, for the word "Discipline" and "Disciple" do come from the same root. Let's read:
1st Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!