Today, 31st October 2024, marks World Thrift Day, a day dedicated to promoting the importance of saving, spending wisely, and being good stewards of what we have. It’s easy to overlook the value of thriftiness, especially in a world that often encourages excessive spending and consumption. But today reminds us that good stewardship is a biblical principle that can shape how we live our lives.
Stewardship in the Bible
When we think about thrift, we often imagine saving money or being cautious about spending. However, the Bible extends the concept of thriftiness to all areas of life—our time, our talents, our resources, and even the planet. God has entrusted us with so much, and Luke 16:10 reminds us: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
The Lord calls us to be faithful with what we have, whether it’s a little or a lot. This means using our resources wisely, avoiding waste, and remembering that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. Proverbs 21:20 tells us, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” This isn’t just about food and wealth; it’s about understanding the value of preservation, preparation, and being mindful in our decisions.
Beyond Finances: Living a Thrifty Life
World Thrift Day is a great reminder that thriftiness goes beyond bank accounts. It’s about living a life of intentionality—making the most of what we’ve been given and honouring God with it. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Time is one of the greatest gifts we’ve been given, yet it’s something we often waste. How are we stewarding our time? Are we investing it in things that glorify God, or are we frittering it away on distractions?
Similarly, our talents are not to be hidden or wasted. Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 speaks directly to this idea. The servant who wisely invested what he had was praised, while the one who buried his talent out of fear was rebuked. God has placed unique gifts and abilities within each of us, and He expects us to use them wisely for His Kingdom.
Reflection Verse
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…” (Luke 16:10)
A Reflection Question with an Action Step:
What resources—time, talent, or money—are you not stewarding well?
Take a moment to reflect on one area of your life where you could be more thrifty, not just with your finances but with your time, energy, and gifts. This week, challenge yourself to make one intentional change in that area. Whether it’s saving a portion of your income, spending more time in prayer, or using your talents for ministry, find a way to be a more faithful steward of what God has entrusted to you.
A Moment to Reflect with An Encouraging Action
While it’s good to be thrifty with our money, remember that our time and talents are just as valuable. Today, make an effort to invest in what truly matters—whether that’s volunteering your time, using your gifts to help others, or setting aside quiet moments to spend with God. Let’s live intentionally, using everything we have to bring glory to His name.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the many gifts and resources You have entrusted to us. Help us to be wise stewards of everything we have—our time, our talents, and our finances. Give us the wisdom to spend wisely, to save with purpose, and to use our resources for Your glory. Teach us to be content with what we have, and to recognise that all good things come from You. May we honour You in the small things so that we may be faithful in the bigger things You entrust to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
