Our finances are a direct reflection of what is going on in the heart of mankind. Those who have plenty and hoard it are displaying an idol of the heart- greed.
Money is not bad, but the love of it is. It is for money we kill and steal. We covet what others have, wishing it was ours instead. We display a terrible lack of faith by how we use and abuse the money God gives us.
Colossians 3:5 puts greed right in the same category as idolatry. It reflects a heart that is focused on living for "self."
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19 (NASB)
I have to honestly say that I always rest a little easier when I know there is savings in the bank, something that is there in case I need it. We are to have savings, and we are to plan our spending (its called a budget) and that is not what I refer to here. The admonition is not to store up treasures (money) for yourself, it does not say "do not save" or "do not plan for the future."
What is your heart invested in? If your heart is focused on God, then you will have the perceptiveness to know where your investments should be made.
Do not lay not up for yourself... this is an important word. The idea is that we are not to sock money away beyond our need for the purpose of greed and selfishness. I have often wondered by God allows some Christians to really prosper financially and leaves others very poor ans struggling.
An important question to ask if you are in the "have not" category: if you had more, would you forget Him? Would it become all about you?
A question for the "have's": is your "extra" locked away in unaccessable places? Is it more important to have that extra cushion to rely on?
The money is merely the object that God uses to reveal our hearts. That is why the Scriptures say that it is the love of money that is evil, not the money itself. The problem for us all, no matter if we are a "have" or a "have not." Our sinful hearts drag us down, and we determine to be gracious to ourselves and shortchange God.
Those treasures on earth become so important to us!! How many keep things that we just stash? We stash it because we can, not because we have a need for it. We stockpile our earthly treasures and these things drive out any desire in our heart to invest in eternal things. Will your junk take care of you in the future?
Colossians 3:5 equates the love of money with idolatry. Don't let money and stuff become your god.