At the heart of the matter, hoarding money demonstrates a lack of trust. You see, we hold on to things because we worry that we will not be taken care of in the future. As a result, we do our best to have everything we need and might need in the future. However, if we trust God's provision, we will be willing to share and trust Him to provide and care for us. Because of this, if we want to manage our finances well, we must have faith in His care and provision for us.
Jesus knew that a lack of trust is at the heart of hoarding and worrying about money. Because of this, He spent time reminding crowds of people listening to His teaching that God takes care of His people in Matthew 6. In this chapter, he called those listening not to worry about their everyday lives, including what they will eat, drink, or wear (verse 25). Then, he explained why they did not need to worry. He explained that the birds don't do anything to work for their food, but God feeds them daily (verse 26). The flowers do not work for their clothing, yet are beautiful (verses 28 and 29). If God cares for the birds and flowers, how much more will he care for and provide for His people? After saying these things, Jesus gave a summary of this teaching. He summarized, "So don't worry about these things These things dominate unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs" (verses 31-32). Worry should dominate the lives of unbelievers, not followers of God. After all, if our Heavenly Father takes care of the birds and the flowers, He will take care of people, too. Even more, He knows our needs. Because He is our good heavenly Father, it stands to reason that He will provide what we need when we need it.
Jesus made it clear in Matthew 6: God takes care of us. We do not have to worry because we have a perfect Heavenly Father who loves us and gives us what we need. We do not have to worry about the future or hoard our possessions because we know God will provide and care for us. He takes care of the birds, the flowers, and His people, including you. Will you trust Him today?
"And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
