In another life, when I was doing college ministry for a "living", I was asked to give a sermon on the Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16), in front of about five hundred students. At the ripe age of twenty-two, commanding an annual salary of around $19,000, I didn't feel that I was the best equipped person to deliver this message. My then mentor, the Paul to my Timothy, told me that experience makes anecdotes and wit, but the Word of God and the Holy Spirit make the sermon. So I did it and I brought the house down. Or at least I did alright. I don't remember.
I had a conversation with a friend who didn't really see any value in what we're doing. And one of the reasons he gave was poor stewardship; that we were paying extra for things that we didn't have to.
Stewardship or Frugality
I think saving money on the things you buy is good, but frugality is just a part of being a good steward. A good steward gives resources to the appropriate places and appropriate times regardless of the deal. Thriftiness isn't appropriate when giving a good gift and hoarding goods you will never use is worse. It can even be a sin when used to scrutinize a loved one or save money to feel secure instead of finding security in God. Rachel and I aren't trying to be frugal, we're simply trying to give money appropriately by spending in places that support treating people justly.
Rachel and I are willing to pay more and be content with less things so that people around the world can be paid well for what they produce. Especially when their product is designed to make life easier for rich people in developed countries.
P.S. Rachel said people don't want to read "Bible Lessons" on blogs, so I deleted the masterpiece I wrote on Luke 16. But if you really want one, I suggest a short read through Matthew Henry's commentary here. It will make you want to do something good with your money.
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