The human instinct is to hoard things in times of economic stress. Let’s look at what the Bible has to say about that.
Hoarding is the over-the-top collection of stuff you can’t rationally use in a reasonable time. Today, we’ll talk about the root causes of this temptation and how to avoid it.
People hoard at different levels, sometimes even to the point of mental illness, though that's not our focus here. Instead, we’ll discuss the kind of hoarding that many of us are tempted to do, often in response to circumstances.
Various factors can trigger hoarding:
If your hoarding is driven by fear, envy, or greed, turning to God’s Word can provide a way out.
Fear shows a lack of trust in God’s provision. Philippians 4:19 reassures us, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Trusting in God’s provision helps alleviate fear.
Envy focuses on our own desires and disrupts our peace. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” The antidote to envy is contentment, as highlighted in 1 Timothy 6:6, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Greed turns possessions into idols. Jesus warns in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Cultivating contentment with what we have helps us avoid the snare of greed.
Hoarding not only reflects negative heart attitudes but also cancels out generosity. Stockpiling for ourselves often means neglecting those in need.
While preparing for the future is prudent, it should not be done out of fear or greed. Proverbs 6:6-8 encourages wise preparation: “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” This biblical principle endorses preparation without promoting a frantic or selfish mindset.
Godly planning involves stewardship and generosity. Here are some principles to guide you:
No matter your stage in life, the principles of stewardship and generosity apply.
A spirit of hoarding leads to spiritual harm, while a spirit of stewardship and generosity brings blessings. Remember, everything belongs to the Lord, and He has important work for you to do. Don’t let hoarding distract you from His plan. Embrace contentment, trust in God’s provision, and be generous with what He has given you.
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