A few days ago I blogged on, Fear and Faith in Times of Economic Crisis. As we try to simplify our life and learn to be content with what God has provided, the world is still out there tempting us.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – comes not from the father but from the world.” I John 2:15-16
Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of twelve practical ideas others and I have used to turn our attention away from the world. Here they are:
1. Don’t buy, or read magazines that encourage and tempting you to desire “more”.
2. Cancel all catalogs offering items you can’t afford or tempt you to buy things you don’t need.
3. For your next car, choose a less expensive one than the one you currently own.
4. Own no more than one car per driver in your family.
5. Consider a “clothing fast”. (or a fast on whatever it is you really want, but don’t need.) No new clothes or even shopping for new clothes for six months.
6. Make a personal commitment not to visit stores or websites, which have tempted you in the past to covet or purchase things you don’t need.
7. Don’t watch programs or go to websites that celebrate style, luxury, glamour and tempt you to greed or envy.
8. Make a commitment to vacation in hotels 25% less expensive than you have used in the past.
9. Make a commitment to purposefully reduce recreational shopping both in brick and mortar stores and online.
10. Consider the “need” for your children to participate in expensive camps, hobbies, sports activities or education programs.
11. Consider what services could be done around your home by you, with your children, instead of by paid service providers. (You both might learn something!)
12. What hobbies do you have that you’d be embarrassed to try justifying the cost and time to Jesus?
If you decide to do any of these things, I’d advise telling another Christian and ask them to pray for you and hold you accountable.
Question: Do you have other good ideas you’d be willing to share with us?
Following Jesus in Real Life
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