Am I the only person who is perplexed by the overabundance of Christmas decorations already on display in every major department store? I have noticed over the past few years that Christmas decorations are out earlier and earlier. Even Black Friday sales are outdone by sales beginning Thanksgiving night. In a world that uses the birth of our Savior as an opportunity for commercial gain, we must constantly be aware of the traps laid before us. I’m not about to condemn anyone for celebrating Christmas by gift giving. I enjoy giving and receiving gifts for Christmas like most people. However, I would believe the greatest gift that you can give your loved ones is your time and affection (both of which are more freely given, when you’re debt free).
So, in opposition to everything that we’re being inundated with, I have decided to spend the next 40 days leading up to Black Friday as an opportunity to focus on one of the reasons that Christ came into this world.
For I have come that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. John 10:10 (Amplified)
The Bible tells us what God thinks about debt and is full of instructions about how to handle. Romans 12:2 reminds us that if we want to avoid falling into the present culture’s way of thinking, we must study and know God’s word. Romans 13:7-8 instructs us to pay to all what is due and owe nothing to anyone except to love and seek the best for one another. When we don’t have the stress of debt hanging over our heads, we’re free to live the abundant life and pursue the plan and purpose that God has for us.
Over the next six weeks I’ll be reviewing Breaking Free: Financial Strategies that Transform Debt into Wealth, by Erik Van Alstine. This devotional and small group study has been so beneficial to my husband and I in the past. I pray that it blesses you as well.
∼ Khafia
3 Times the Faith 