Money Matters: Devotions from Time of Graceनमुना

Spending Money God’s Way: I Want to Be Happy

Some people hate shopping and venture out only to purchase what is absolutely necessary. Other people are almost addicted to the rush they get when they spend money. You know the drill: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.” What is it about spending money on ourselves that is so compulsive?

Well, we’re all materialistic to some degree. If getting stuff makes me happy, then getting a lot more stuff will make me a lot happier, right? If we view happiness as something outside of us that we can acquire by getting stuff, we will end up in a never-ending cycle of chasing status symbols and designer toys.

Here is God’s wisdom: “He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich” (Proverbs 21:17). There is nothing wrong with pleasure. God invented it. There is nothing wrong with wine and oil either, nor is there anything wrong with liking and appreciating the fruits of God’s marvelous creation.

Here’s the danger: when your likes become loves and your loves become cravings. Be careful.