Wiser and Happier: Special Military Edition from Time of GraceSample

Money Matters: Spending money God’s way

Do you tend to be a Scrooge--or a spendaholic? Here is another example of when it’s best to steer for the middle course in life. God gives no special honor to misers and skinflints, but there is also terrible danger in out-of-control spending.

Be intentional about the money flowing from you. Do you go shopping when you are feeling bad about yourself? Do you need new clothes to feel important? Do you just love spoiling yourself? Do you have trouble saying no to your urges? Do you just love to party? Are these hard words to hear: “He who loves pleasure will become poor” (Proverbs 21:17)?

Far too many people live in misery and fear because they have maxed out four credit cards and now can’t even make the minimum payments. They bought way too much house, their ARM just went up again, and foreclosure looms.

Here’s the funny thing (at least it would be funny if it didn’t cause so much disappointment): pleasure derived from spending never lasts. Never. Really, how much pleasure can that three-year-old tattoo give you now? How much pleasure do you get today from going to that (ahem) adult club with your buddies six months ago?

You know, of course, that there are groups like AA to help problem drinkers. Did you know that there is help for problem spenders?