For a while now, I have been uncomfortable with a particular area of teaching in the modern Church. It is a sacred area, an area off-limits to criticism by anyone who wants to maintain any respectability. For whatever reason, I seem to lack the desire for respectability (And it is a good thing, too! I would be utterly depressed for lack of any). So without further delay, here is my problem. I have a problem with the Dave Ramsey money management program, classes and books. A big problem. I have thought about it for over a year, but today listening to his call-in radio program I was able to put into clear thought what was bothering me. The problem is that his advice and methods do not take into account the full teachings of Scripture. I know, I know. I can practically hear the furious typing already as his defenders give reference to verses concerning faithful stewardship and the scattering on many waters. But as the call I heard today was a perfect example of what bothers me, I will simply discuss that.
A caller phoned in with the question “Should I proceed with putting new, more decorative hardwood floors in my home?” He described his current situation as employed, possessing $15k in emergency money and $15k in a fund to beautify his home (worth approx $325k). He was concerned with proceeding because he was in the auto industry, and many others in this industry were now un-employed. He was nervous. And now to Dave’s response. Dave told him that he should indeed proceed, as he had a safety net in his emergency fund. He also made it clear not to be nervous, but to feel good about the new floors. This is NOT Biblical advice. No way, no how! Nope. Why would I say that? Well, look at the following verses, and please read them all the way through, even if you are familiar with them. Forget what you have been taught about what Jesus really meant & look at what the text actually says:
And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21 (ESV)
And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:22-34 (ESV)
In both of these texts, Jesus teaches that saving up wealth in storehouses for security is wrong. In many parables (must I name them all?) believers are called stewards, managers, and slaves of their Master who is Christ. We are to manage His resources that He gives us responsibility over with the intention of fulfilling His directives. Our resources are not our own, and are in no way to be stored up for our own security or comfort! Why does silver and gold bring us security? Is being held in the creator’s hand insufficient, we must also have an emergency fund? Dave Ramsey never once encouraged the caller to search God’s Word to see how the Master has directed us in use of His resources. No mention of time spent in prayer. No questioning as to whether the caller felt comfortable because of His trust in Christ or because of his emergency fund. No Biblical advice was given at all, just simple money management tips with the aim of keeping this steward comfortable and in wealth. How is this advice considered Christian? It is not! Please understand, I do believe that at times God chooses to bless those who follow Him with various material blessings. But on His schedule, not the servants. Storing up storehouses and beautifying homes while others are hungry and lost around us brings no glory to God. In fact, it blasphemes the name of God before unbelievers when they see Christians living this way. I know this post will make folks angry, but before getting angry about the fact that someone has threatened your “right” to be wealthy, ask yourself this, “Why am I so angry? What and where is my treasure if I am stirred to such anger from an article?” Please, I implore you, put down the Dave Ramsey and pick up the writings of Jesus Christ our Lord!
March 11, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Ramseys answers obviously come from culture. I cannot judge him because I know nothing of him. Though we are required to go and tell our first responsibility is to our Jerusalem then to the rest of the world. A good witness will follow those teachings, with a good appearance, habits and a proper maintenance of properties and possesions. We have not done a proper job of teaching, therefore secular folks step in. The pay is good, and results seem to be rewarding. Ramsey is just one of many of whom Christians turn to for help when Jesus has the answers.
You are doing a good job with the website, keep it going. Praise God
March 9, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Assuming an individual uses his money wisely and follows biblical principals, He or she should use the money God provides through an occupation to make oneself more comfortable and this earthly life more enjoyable. You need a roof or in this case a floor, go for it. Ramsey seemed to be satisfied all above criteria was met and gave sound advise. I’m not a fan, but Ramsey seems sincere and is a help to many. Give him a break. You and I should do as much.
March 10, 2010 at 9:01 am
I guess the part I struggle with in both your reply and the Financial Peace University teachings (Dave Ramsey) is the idea that “He or she should use the money God provides through an occupation to make oneself more comfortable and this earthly life more enjoyable” This is the obvious philosophy of all of Dave Ramsey’s teachings and is at the heart of the conversation I heard. My question is where did that assumption come from? From the Scripture or from our culture? Where is it stated that after dying on the Cross for our sins, and commissioning us to live as travelers (not as citizens) going forth and preaching the Gospel we are to make ourselves as comfortable as possible? There will always be another level of comfort and wealth above that which we have, so should we continually upgrade, or should we obey clear direction from our Lord? As far as helping others, I do not know if teaching others to study financial planning principals while ignoring Scripture could be considered “helping”. I know that is the last kind of help I need!
February 25, 2010 at 10:41 pm
The Chinese Church have a saying, “Life is a bridge, you don’t build houses on bridges.” We are pilgrims in a strange land making our way to heaven and bringing as many with us as possible.
February 26, 2010 at 1:20 pm
That is a wise proverb!
February 25, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Jesus Himself told us to not have “care-full” thoughts about tomorrow. I can speak candidly about our situation of trial that we are currently in where we have had to rely on God to supply our needs…and He has. I don’t know where some of the funds come from because it seems like the source never runs out. When a need arises, someone comes along and says, “God impressed me to give this to you…” This happens more often than not. It’s His money anyway and He will give it and He will demand of it according to His purposes. If He tells you to give, you give. If He tells you to spend, then you spend. This is called obedience. We don’t tithe because tithing is not part of the new covenant and it is not something we are required to do. However, we do give and give cheerfully. We are always giving in some manner, including money and God always makes sure that there is enough.
February 25, 2010 at 10:32 pm
I too have been flat broke with everything falling apart. Looking back, I have no idea where funds came from, but they did come in. The Master does indeed provide for His servants. For everything there is a season. Sometimes it is your turn to provide for others as the Lord directs, and at other times it is the season to humbly bow your head and accept the helping hand of your Brothers and Sisters in Christ. I do not, however, see any season described in Scripture as the appropriate time to lay up wealth for our own comfort. It just isn’t there.
February 25, 2010 at 9:38 pm
I understand what you are saying, and let me say I have never studied Dave Ramseys stuff but I have heard of them. My brother is a baptist pastor and used his stuff at his church! I guess my question to you would be then…should the guy never use the money to beautify his home? Or do anything “worldly” with his money? And, I guess I have always been a believer that God built us humans with a brain and common sense and that sometimes people are so “heavenly minded they are not earthly good” is a phrase I often heard around my very christian, lutheran home as I was growing up! sometimes don’t we as humans need to use our own minds to make decisions as easy as new flooring for our homes? it’s not like the guy wanted to know if he should spend millions on a new ferrari or something….it was a floor…just my humble opinion!
February 25, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Yeah, I agree we can get so caught up worrying about if we are being good stewards that we neglect the actual performance of our duty. My point of this article was actually more focused on Dave Ramsey’s advice. There was a complete absence of any Biblical teaching. It was totally focused on money management, not on performing faithful stewardship for our Master. In my own life, I have a hard time spending any bulk amount of money without seriously considering what my motivation is and what end result will be achieved. We must be aware that our resources are not our own, but that we are to manage HIS resources according to HIS directives. If Dave Ramsey was truly giving Biblical advice, his advice would have been based on, well, the Bible. The only ones who know if Mr. Caller really needed new floors are Mr. Caller and our Lord. Myself, sometimes I am find myself being vain, and sometimes I need a new floor. Dave Ramsey never bothered to bring this up.