1st Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
It's holiday time again folks, and the usual temptations to go overboard in our spending will have to be resisted through the grace and power of Christ, for as the well-known song says, Santa "Claws" is coming to town. The very spirit of the season is a spirit of excesses, and as Christians we need to be on guard lest we be carried away in a frenzy of ill-advised shopping for things we do not actually need. Before going out on a limb, it is needful that we consult first with The Lord In prayer, asking for His guidance, direction, and discretion in the purchase of gifts, and and all of the other goodies associated with the holiday shopping season.
A faithful steward will be found faithful throughout the entire year, even during the holiday season, for the principles of the Bible do not change with the passage of time. And since plastic is a slippery material, let us exercise due caution in using those cards which often encourage us to spend that which we do not have. As a matter of fact, the habit of spending money before it is earned, is one of the snares that satan has laid for the feet of the unwary, and as Christians we must be very careful that our outflows do not outpace our inflows, for whenever this is done, those who are thus engaged will certainly become deeply involved in debt.
Before funds are spent, there should be a plan in place to replenish that which is to be used, and if there is no such plan, then we should be disciplined enough to practice that self-denial that Christ so often spoke of. The words disciple and discipline come from the same root, and therefore we are under the most solemn obligation to be found faithful in that which is least, as well as that which is much. A very interesting commentary on the use and spending of money is written by the servant of The Lord, and it will do us well to read soberly from cause to effect, so that we may make straight paths for our feet. Let's read:
[Manual For Canvassers pp. 63>65] The Lord's goods should be handled with faithfulness. The Lord has entrusted men with life and health and reasoning powers; and should not these gifts be faithfully and diligently employed to His name's glory? Have our brethren considered that they must give an account for all the talents placed in their possession? Have they traded wisely with their Lord's goods, or have they spent His substance recklessly, and are they written in heaven as unfaithful servants? Many are spending their Lord's money in riotous enjoyment, so-called; they are not gaining an experience in self-denial, but are spending money on vanities, and are failing to bear the cross after Jesus.
All must practise economy. No worker should manage his affairs in a way to incur debt. The practise of drawing money from the treasury before it is earned is a snare. When one voluntarily becomes involved in debt, he is entangling himself in one of Satan's nets which he sets for souls.
Let us therefore exercise that wisdom and prudence in all of our decision-making processes, and God will be well pleased to guide us with discretion, if we are willing to ask. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms to us this promise, and let us then be found in the "Black" on the other side of 2015. Let's read:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!