Randy Alcorn, On Hoarding

“Saving is a means of not presuming upon God. Hoarding is a means of replacing God. Saving can avoid presuming upon others to assume responsibility for our future needs. Hoarding is a self-absorbed commitment to independence from others who could help us if we’re in need, just as we can and should help others…When I save, I lay something aside for future need. If I sense God’s leading, I will give it away to meet greater needs. When I hoard, I’m unwilling to part with that I’ve saved to meet others’ needs, because my possible future needs outweigh their actual present needs. Hence, I fail to love my neighbor as myself. The difference between saving and hoarding isn’t simply the amount but the attitude.” (Money, Possessions, and Eternity, pgs. 332-333)