Biblical Answer

The Importance of Living Below Your Means

Living below your means is a crucial aspect of living a life of faith. When we live above our means, we prioritize our own desires and comforts over our relationship with God. As the Bible teaches, "You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13). When we are consumed by our own ambitions and desires, we become idolaters, putting our own interests above God's will. This is not a life of faith, but rather a life of self-centeredness.

What Does it Mean to Live Below Your Means?

Living below your means means recognizing that our true wealth is not in our possessions or our bank accounts, but in our relationship with God. It means prioritizing our spiritual growth and development over our material comforts. When we live below our means, we are not depriving ourselves of things, but rather, we are freeing ourselves from the bondage of materialism. As Jesus taught, "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). We are not defined by what we own, but by our relationship with God.

The Disciplines of Living Below Your Means

Living below your means requires discipline and sacrifice. It means being willing to waive our rights and allow God to make our choices for us. When we live below our means, we are not just giving up material comforts, but we are also giving up the security and control that comes with them. We must be willing to trust God and His provision, even when it seems uncertain or insufficient. As the Bible teaches, "My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). When we live below our means, we are not just living a more simple life, but we are also living a life of faith, trusting in God's provision and sovereignty.