The story of how Jesus multiplied the five loaves of bread and two fish is a story we have all heard time and time again. And in that story, after eating the loaves of bread and fish, Jesus asked his disciples to collect the leftovers (see John 6:12). But why? I thought Jesus gives abundant life, so He doesn’t care about seeing some resources wasted. But that’s not the case.
Jesus wants us to be responsible and not wasteful. So, He used this happening in scripture to teach us frugality Christians. Frugality, in this context, means being careful with the management of material resources. Jesus expects us Christians to be more intentional about managing the resources we have at hand and not to waste them.
Count your pennies
In Matthew 25, Jesus told a parable about servants who were given talents as their master left for a trip. The Bible says that they were all not given the same amount, and for that matter, the one with the least failed to utilise and multiply his talent but buried it. The others, however, invested theirs by working with them and got positive returns. When the master came, He rebuked the lazy servant. But He said to the others,
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: …”
Matthew 25:23 KJV
To God, we must be responsible even over our little. That shows good stewardship and that He can trust such a steward to handle much more in His father’s house. God has given every person something. And no matter how little, He expects you to exercise wisdom when using it.
Sometimes, God puts you in certain situations because He desires to teach you endurance and how to look to him as the ultimate provider in situations where you lack. Even Paul says, in Philippians 4:12 that he has learnt to live when there was plenty. But he also learnt to live when there was less. He, therefore, used his predicament to encourage others that they should find every reason to praise God and never cease to be thankful. Never overlook the little things you have. But also make the most out of these little things because God can even use those little things to advance His kingdom.
Never overlook the little things you have. But also make the most out of these little things because God can even use those little things to advance His kingdom.
Aligning with the God-given purpose
To be able to help advance his kingdom, you must understand everything belongs to God and that we are simply entrusted with it. So, everything God gives you is not just for your personal edification. However, He expects you to nurture it, care for it and use it in a manner to bring glory to Him.
Be it financial resources, gifts or talents, or even your own life life, they are all resources you can not afford to waste on something that is not God’s plan for you. When you align yourself with God’s plan for you, like with the five loaves of bread and two fish, little becomes plenty because of God’s blessings on your life. Always remember it is God’s provision you’re using to do what He has called you to do. That will help you manage and responsibly cater for it.
Use your finances to fulfil God’s vision
It is easy to decipher that sometimes, the reason why people do not manage their resources well is not because they intend to do so. But it is because they fail to plan.
The Bible encourages in Proverbs 6:6-11 to make plans and preparations beforehand just like how the ant does. Planning and preparation help you to manage how to spend wisely because you avoid buying things unnecessarily so that money is available when needed.
Another way to be responsible with money is to save. Saving prepares you for unexpected circumstances and leaves you with enough to give to help others generously. It therefore teaches self-control because whilst teaching to sacrifice immediate wants, it ultimately leads to financial stability and the ability to bless others.
In conclusion, Jesus’ miracle with the five loaves teaches that Christians shouldn’t waste anything, not even the leftovers. It reminds us that as stewards, we must be responsible for our God-given resources and manage them faithfully, and that applies to more than just money. Be intentional and wise with everything God has given.