Consider why it might be good to live within sustainable means . . .
Early Formative Years
Please join me on a short trip back to my formative years in southern Oregon. My dad was our sole provider. He went to work each day. My mother stayed at home. The four of us kids had quite a bit of freedom to wander our eighteen acres. We also had chores to do tending animals and cleaning numerous stalls and pens. And we rode a big yellow bus five miles to school.
The city with department stores was sixteen miles away. Our family only went into the city once a week—on Saturdays. When it was my turn to go, I was excited, gathered my allowance dollars together, and eagerly got in the backseat of the car.
As for my parents spending habits, each paycheck was carefully budgeted. Whatever was left after the bills were paid could be for extras. Groceries, toiletries, clothing, and haircuts all had limits. More than once I watched my mother hand back a few things at the checkout counter. I quickly learned the cash we had was all there was to spend. And I didn’t question that practice.
The spending habits I grew up with definitely describe living within sustainable means. We simply didn’t spend more than we had, and didn’t ask why. This seemed a normal, responsible, way to manage money.
Come Out From Under Overspending
When I look at families today, and see how money struggles are causing strife, it’s time to say something. There’s no need for good people to live buried beneath a heap of money troubles paycheck-to-paycheck. That kind of pressure easily interferes with family harmony. Most purchases are birthed from desire—and not need. Spontaneous shopping often undermines financial harmony. Transitioning away from a lifestyle of borrowing takes time, but it can be done. When we desire a more secure financial future above all else, we are ready to create a life that honors living within our means. It is wise to ask the Lord to add His divine help. He is our greatest key to lifestyle change that lasts.
Give Careful Thought to Spending
From Rebuilding Families One Dollar At a Time we read: “How money is spent should not be left to chance. All dollars need a boss. That’s you. That’s me. The road to financial stability begins to map a course in the right direction when its owners begin to manage money wisely.” This valuable resource is loaded with money facts and great ideas for living with financial sustainability despite living in an uncertain economy.
Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it. Haggai 1:5-6
Revisit Old Ways
Living a frugal lifestyle was once an acceptable practice. Perhaps, in light of all the recent financial hardships that have befallen our communities, it’s time to revisit this age-old concept. Unfortunately, when credit became a gratifying way to have what we want when we want it, common sense took an extended holiday. People began to live beyond sustainable means. This has resulted in a disregard for living within realistic boundaries. Self-inflicted, unnecessary stress is the result.
Is it time to step back and examine how easy credit, and instant gratification, are creating a vicious cycle of spending tomorrow’s dollars on today’s purchases? Change requires determination. Many have taken this challenge and are now live happily within their financial means.
Prayer: Lord, forgive us. Our spending habits reveal a lack of contentment. We’ve given more attention to cultural practices surrounding money than Godly wisdom. Help us to reverse those behaviors. Strengthen us to do the work necessary to break the chains of perpetual debt. We long to be a people who live within sustainable means. We want Your best for our financial future. Create greater harmony amongst us as we work together toward this common goal. When tempers rise up, keep us from pointing fingers of blame at our loved ones. We want financial harmony to abound in our home. With Your help we can succeed. We can determine to be part of the solution. We trust You, Lord, to lead us to victory. Amen
*Photo 1 provided by Trac Vu on Unsplash
*Photo 2 provided by Katie Harp on Unsplash
