There are many bible verses and inspirational messages concerning prayer; however, there are many more verses and messages about handling money and possessions. Spending on needless things is a make-or-break issue! It is no surprise that money-related issues are often cited as reasons for separation and divorce among families. Concerns about money and feeling stress go hand in hand.
During the Christmas season of giving, it is easy to overspend on gifts, decorations and accessories. All of us want to give nice gifts to our loved ones. But too often, people overspend on unnecessary gifts for friends, family and especially children. A testament to this fact is the number of things that are given away when it’s time to declutter. Allow me to encourage you to pray for discernment when it comes to buying for loved ones this month. Christmas comes once a year, but overspending on gifts that will soon be obsolete or lose their value, can cost you in the years ahead.
Here are two things you need to know about God-given discernment for spending. First, people will remember how you made them feel, more so than what you give them. The great poet Maya Angelou said, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Second, sending Christmas cards with a picture of yourself or your family is a rewarding way to express one’s feelings. It is inexpensive and yet it can make people feel good. Author Burton Hills said, “the best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
Don’t wait until the week before Christmas to purchase your gifts because you probably will pay more than what you intended to spend trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Remember, the greatest impact you can make in your home is with love and gifts of kindness rather than the items you purchase. So, develop the habit of spending cautiously on gifts. Give much love as your gift instead and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
