Three Steps to Stop Overspending

Are you tired of all the advertisements?

Professional marketers are paid to make us want more stuff. They appeal to our fear of missing out which fixes our eyes on temporal things. God wants us to fix our eyes on Christ and that which is eternal. Greed is wanting more of what we already have. It prioritizes things over our relationship with Him. Greed wounds yourself and others. It can lead to overspending, excessive debt, deceit, and wandering from the faith. Thankfully there is a solution. If we believe God is sufficient to meet our needs, then we can learn to be content with a little or a lot. The Apostle Paul said it this way “If then you’ve been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3)

Now there are three simple steps that will keep you from overspending. First, ask yourself: Is this a real need or just a want? Can I live without it? Second, pray and ask God for clarity about your decision. Seek counsel from others regarding your motives and intentions. Finally, if you’re content in Christ, with or without the item, it’s ok to make the purchase. Use this exercise with every large financial decision. You’ll focus your finances through the lens of Christ. It protects you from making impulse purchases that you may regret later. Plus, you’ll avoid the sin of greed and know the peace that only comes from God.

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