Should Christians shop at Waitrose or Lidl?

Let’s be positive and assume that most Christians will think and pray when they are making ‘big’ financial decisions. Whether that’s going on holiday, how much to save, or where to give charitably, we recognise that we should try and steward our money wisely and generously.

But what about the basics? How does the Bible shape our weekly food shop or where we buy our clothes? This often feels harder; we’re talking about fish fingers and carrots, jeans and trainers. So, how can we apply Biblical principles to these decisions?

The non-Christian approach

I think a good place to start is to break down what a non-Christian person might be thinking when they do their supermarket shop:

• It’s my money
• I deserve it
• I’ve earned it
• I can put it on Klarna/Credit
• … so I’m spending for a better life now

How should Christians approach this topic differently, recognising that we are called to be distinctive? As with all things, I think it’s important to engage with this question through four biblical ideas: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and New Creation.

Creation

Our starting point is that it’s good to enjoy God’s world. He has given us good gifts to enjoy and praise Him for.

Isn’t it incredible that we live in a part of the world where we can walk outside and within a few minutes be in a shop where we can try a huge variety of products from all around the world? Isn’t God gracious and kind to us in this provision.

Fall – Where are the temptations?

It’s important to beware of:

• Thinking ‘I’ve earned it’ or ‘it’s my money.’ – The Bible says that all we have belongs to God, we just have the privilege of stewarding what he has graciously given us.
• Judging others – as this can shut down good, open conversation. Be careful not to be a stumbling block to others; limit your freedom if it helps other people.
• Your deceptive heart which can so easily reframe decisions to make them feel godly. For example, if you eat expensive fillet steak every night, but justify it as you always buy it when it has just been reduced and has a yellow sticker on it!
• Debt – It can be a huge temptation to buy now and pay later, but debt can so easily enslave. If you need help, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) have some helpful resources.

Redemption

We are called to continue Christ’s work with urgency, and how we steward our finances reflects this. The money God has entrusted to us can be used to love others, by providing hospitality and caring for those in our church family who are having a hard time. Maybe every week you could buy a little extra in your food shop so that you can cook for a neighbour or friend in need?

How much we spend on food, where we shop, or the clothes we buy are a chance to be distinctive and demonstrate different priorities.

Why not discuss this with a Christian friend? It might feel a bit odd but at least start to explore these questions. It’s great to have open discussions about how all areas of our lives, even our food shops, can be used to be more like Jesus.

New Creation

The best is yet to come, so how can our finances reflect this? It is worth considering how your spending could facilitate proactive gospel ministry. For example, could you set aside some cash to take a non-Christian friend out for a coffee and read the Bible together? Or could you regularly host a neighbourhood meal, deepening relationships?

In summary, does it matter how we do our food shopping? Yes! Does the Bible tell us whether to shop at Waitrose or Lidl? No. But it does show how we are called to use our finances to glorify God, care for others, and be distinctive.

This blog is based on a seminar delivered by Kingdom Bank CEO Paul Houghton at the 2025 Keswick Convention. Watch the full seminar here.

Kingdom Bank does not provide financial advice. Please seek independent financial advice when structuring your finances.