What can you do with $25 a month?
Things in this world cannot satisfy what humanity needs. We need the things of God, after all, we are made in the image of God. Despite this fact, we tend to fill our lives with stuff that makes no sense in terms of an eternal perspective. How we can use $25 each month for the glory or God instead using it to satisfy ourselves?
Great wisdom is found in the saying, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Let us find our satisfaction in glorifying God! When we spend our money with God in mind, God gets the glory and we get the joy! Now isn’t that the way to go about thinking through money issues?!?
Regardless of our age, we are enticed to blow money on things that will fail us. (It truly is a terrible predicament that we all find ourselves in.) Human habits in money spending come up short in providing sustaining happiness and satisfying our inner cravings. The shine wears off and we are left wanting yet again. Once the exciting new gadget becomes commonplace it quickly gets lost in the mix of newer and better things. Boredom sets in, and we find ourselves seeking a new fix again. Better clothes, bigger house, cooler car, unnecessary gadgets, you name it, every American seems to have it or want it. There is always another way for an American to blow away their money.
Jesus demands that we bust out of the mode, and be renewed with the mind of Christ. Youth today can get an unlimited texting plan on their cell phone for $25 a month or they can see if God has other purposes for that money. Adults can blow their money in far more ‘effective’ ways (haha) than even youth can, and have high sounding sophisticated arguments to mask their materialistic hearts. Look at all of the stuff surrounding us, it’s a little embarrassing isn’t it? Is anyone else more than a little bit ill at ease with how Christians purchase things? I know I am disgusted with myself.
Solutions are simple. Pray before buying. And be willing to here Jesus tell you “No.” Not only do we often time not need the things we desire, but this junk actually clutters our lives and keeps us from spending adequate time with God daily to hear His voice. So, no more purchases without consulting God. If God is going to be God of your life, He must also be God of your money. (I know, we cringe when we say this right? Because we know the repercussions it means personally.)
It isn’t if your new sofa, or texting plan is sinful. No, that’s not the issue at all. Every question that starts
with, “what’s wrong with this or that,” is misguided. It isn’t that sitting on sofas is sinful or Jesus is on Facebook raising up 1,000,000 strong against cell phone usage. NO! What it is about is glorifying God with our purchases and money. So, now start asking the question, “God in what way can I best use this money so that it most honors and glorifies You!” Include God in your money decisions. You’ll be shocked with how much joy you’ll end up with when you are concerned that God is worshiped in your $ decisions.
My $25 a month may not change the world today, but it will start to change my heart.
What is “proper for a C’s to purchase ? Legaglist ! Those 3000 square foot homes are a great place to do home BIBLE studies , and to have fellowship gatherings with other belivers and the wayward folks that are invited along . And that BMW or Denali makes for safe and fast transportation to go and get those who have no means of trtansportation . Sharing the wealth , with a different look !
We can’t be pouring our money down the drain of social programs or church run charity . Who knows who might try to (use) take advantage of our generousity ?? If you are behind on YOUR bills or can’t keep up with the medical bills , get a job ! Who are C’s to be handing out money ? As for general purchases , are we really suppose to think about every little detail ? So what if the shirt show a little cleavage ? Everyone wears pre faded and worn out jeans, that cost at least 75 bucks ! Those 150 dollar sandals FEEL really great , and they last FOREVER ! We work hard and DESERVE nice things . Just because some family in wherever is hungry, why should I pass on the double cone at Smokey Row ?
If we had to give up golfing , boating , swimming , racing , reading stuff , shopping , garage sales , hunting , any of the fun things we enjoy in this life ,,,,what would we possible do with or time and money ?
Surely we do enough praying , worshiping , reading of the scriptures and being together , so what else is there ??
THE BIBLE : For you were once in darkness , but now are in the light. Walk as children of the light ,,,Having no fellwship with the unfruitful works of darkness .
Yes, I will examine my heart next time I think “buy it ” .
God’s Voice,,,Obey
I think that cell phone quip at the end might be due to my current fascination with the iPhone (although Nick does deny this). No, I didn’t get it.
serve2live.com
Examination necessary for sure. I know I blow money on things for me…no doubt about it.
I am exceptionally proud of of my teenage daughter who recognized that spending $100 per month on her cell phone usage was troublesome…for many reasons. She took up my challenge to find a better solution and, on her own, searched for a less expensive plan. She was creative enough to ask herself, “How do I really use my phone?” She recognized that all she does with the phone is text her friends and rarely makes calls. For her to go so far as to recognize that an unlimited $25 texting plan – a plan actually designed specifically for a deaf people – is also a great solution for the way she uses her phone is just excellent recognition on her behalf. That frees up 75% previously dedicated “phone monies” for other purposes. GREAT JOB SWEETHEART!! Job well done.
Scott,
I especially like you bringing it down to the practical in Pella with decisions many of us face, ” Just because some family in wherever is hungry, why should I pass on the double cone at Smokey Row?”
Whether we get single, double cone, or none, I know I need to keep these questions always on the forefront of my mind or my greed and “give me” attitude runs rampant. All of us should at least entertain these questions, otherwise I’m afraid troubles await for us. My brain is always on overdrive on my self-indulgence. Many more lessons for me to learn.
Jesus have mercy and patiently bear with us as you teach us. You discipline us because you love us Lord.
Jess,
You know my thoughts on here are for me first as it gives me clarity of mind in formulating Jesus’ teachings. Everybody who reads this blog follows my journey and pitches in likewise if they can relate to these teachings of Jesus in their own lives. Everyone is invited to join the ride. But it’s me who’s in the hot seat with Jesus, everyone else gets to listen in as the Lord disciplines and addresses my sin issues.
I’m nowhere near the lesson of being other-centered with the $25 lesson.
Jeff,
Either you’re calling me sweetheart, (which I would take as a high compliment
…or you’re expecting Emily to read this post and your comment, and for her to see how proud you are with her financial decision. This too I would take as a compliment, knowing two of the Taylor family view reading my blog and everybody’s comments as beneficial.
Thanks to everyone for their comments. Let us all continue to seek God and include Him in every financial decision. The Lord who is master of our wallet has a better chance of being master of our heart.