Stockpiling

When it comes to personal security or the security of our family, most of us are into stockpiling.  The bigger the stockpile, the more secure we feel.  The only problem with stockpiles is that they can disappear in a heartbeat.  Financial market can collapse and catastrophic illness, or unexpected long term care can wipe out even the largest stockpile.  Stockpiling is what we do.  It speaks to our need for planning and there is nothing inherently wrong about it.  But, it is like a stack of wood next to the house before the first onslaught of winter.  It gets burned up in a hurry.    

The Scripture is not against stockpiling, but against living without trust in God to provide.  Back in the 16th chapter of Exodus, there is an ancient story which speaks of God's plan for us.  It is a story that that reminds us that He can be trusted to provide what is needed for today.  Of course, what we think is needed and what He knows is needed is often vastly different.  As we read this story about manna from heaven, we see in narrative form the truth that God not only is ready to provide, but that He can be trusted.   

The problem with our stockpiles is that they often speak of the trust we have in ourselves to provide for our needs.  They can give us such a sense of well  being that we begin living without dependence on God as our Provider.  And, of course, a secondary issue in trusting in our stockpiles instead of God is that we are less likely in being generous in our giving to the needs of others.  If it is mine, we might hold on a little tighter, but if we are confident God is going to provide enough for our needs, we are also more confident about sharing with others.