Image "My Friend" by Helen Thomas Robson (Used by Permission)
Minimalism from a Biblical Point of View —

Biblical Minimalism is "a complete, whole-person release of anything unlike Jesus, a letting go of everything that hinders us from following Him wholeheartedly and single-mindedly, and a relinquishing of all that brings us under bondage to this earthly, very temporary life." Cheryl E. Smith

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Are You A Slave to Your Spending Habits?

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."  Jesus Christ  Luke 12:34  (KJV)


Modern society is saturated with a materialistic focus.  Consumerism is at the heart of every TV commercial, magazine advertisement, and online marketing banner.  To not be drawn in and succumb to the power of the temptation to buy takes a continual, diligent effort.  Far too often, we find ourselves on the other side of buyer's remorse because we bought something on the spur of the moment without giving careful thought to purchasing decisions.

Never before, in the history of time, has it been easier to buy things.  At the click of a mouse, we open a whole world of spending opportunities and find an unending supply of enticing, eye-catching expenditure possibilities.  An abundance of credit opportunities make our spending capabilities simple and quick and only add to the appeal of the temptation to buy things.

All of this power to consume and have the things this world offers seems very liberating, doesn't it?  It is thrilling to get new things in the mail, carry multiple bags around the shopping mall, and continually experience what "new" feels like.  But, is the pleasure long-lasting?  Is the binding misery of ensuing indebtedness worth the freedom of buying what you want even it if means living above your means?  Does the feeling of elation bring a deep sense of peace?  Does it contribute to our inmost joy?  Does the fun feeling of buying things come unaccompanied, or is there an underlying, co-existing shadow and aftertaste that lags along behind it?

Things of this world will never be able to fill the longings of the heart because God created us for more than what this world can afford.  We are travelers passing through then passing on to an eternal home.  Only the things of that world can truly satisfy the cravings that occur deep inside each one of us.  Peace comes when we uncover this truth and embrace the reality that no matter how much we amass in this life, we will leave it all behind one day and it is best to not set our hearts on the things we cannot hope to keep.

Just because you are offered a steady diet of flesh-appeasing, shallow-filling buying attainability does not mean you have to fall prey to the propositions.  Just say no.  Click out of the website.  Avoid window shopping.  Stay away from temptation's ground.  Make a budget, and make up your mind to buy only what is within its parameters.  Pray and ask God for wisdom and strength to follow that wisdom.  Seek His Word, and become acquainted with His heart and desires for you.  As contradictory as it sounds, true freedom comes from giving up our rights to the One Who created us and who paid all for our redemption.  Thank God, we don't ever have to live our lives enslaved to anyone or anything else.

12 comments:

  1. So true, Too many want to keep up with the Jones that they will go in debt. :(

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the good, helpful reminder!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for reading and for your kind words! God bless you!

      Delete
  3. Thank you dear Cheryl for this beautiful lesson. I was an interior decorator before I retired and I had clients that had more money than they knew what to do with it. Many would sell beautiful furnishings just to buy the latest. So many thought that stuff would satisfy the longing in their heart that only Jesus can fill.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, that is so sad, isn't it? You are right ~ nothing else will ever satisfy the needs of the human heart. Jesus is all we need. So thankful for your sweet visit and kind words, sweet friend. God bless you!

      Delete
  4. Oh, it's so easy to sit on the couch and order something online isn't it?! I have to admit it's my favorite way to shop because the malls are too overwhelming and I'm a homebody anyway. I've been decluttering all year and it feels so good to have less stuff, I really don't want to re-clutter my home. But I have to admit it's a challenge for me because I do love pretty things. I usually put something in my cart and then wait several days before I purchase it. Usually by that time, I've decided I don't really need it. That is one of the benefits of online shopping -- you can avoid impulse buys. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, you are so right ~ it is so easy to buy, and it surely is a great feeling to declutter and just let go of the excess. I know how you feel about loving pretty things. It is always a temptation, but one that we can absolutely overcome with self-control. Thank you for your sweet visit and kind words, Deborah!

      Delete
  5. Continuing good advice; thank you for sharing with all of us dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your continued support, dear friend. You are such a blessing to me!

      Delete
  6. Our lives are full of so much "stuff" and being on this journey of living and being content with what we have is a better way to live. Impulse buying is curbed for me when I think... where will I put it, lol! Also, if something new is added to our small space, I try to remove something in its place. Most of our wants are not needs, and it certainly helps to maintain that perspective! Blessings and hugs to you :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is such a wonderful way to live to let go of one thing for everything you bring in. We do the same thing here at our house and even let go of more than one thing sometimes. I have been thinking that I want to start completely over and start doing another deep purge. It is amazing how little we really need when everything boils down, isn't it? Sending many blessings and hugs back to you, sweet friend. :) SO thankful for your visit.

      Delete

I love hearing from you, dear readers! Let's chat!