30 Days Defeating the Arch-Enemy of Our Finances (Mammon)Sample

NEEDS versus WANTS

One of the first steps in financial management is defining needs versus wants. I am not against wanting to have things, but if pursuing things is guided by emotions, life will be a rollercoaster. There are legitimate wants, but the entire industry of marketing is geared toward getting our attention to want something. In this day and age, we just talk about a topic and then when we open our phones, ads about that very topic appear one after the other as if AI was listening to us.

What are your real needs? Currently, there is a trend towards minimalism, where simplicity is valued. The commonplace is beautiful. Simplicity should be a value. When deciding about your next significant purchase, ask yourself, “Is this a real need or just a desire?” Unfortunately, not asking that question can lead to debt, and debt can become a type of slavery. Credit card and bank fees are high. They lower our purchasing power and can take over our finances. Take on only reasonable, temporary, justifiable debt. Do not be a slave to your wants. But it's important to know that regarding wants, God is our Father, and He wants not only to supply the needs of His children but also their desires. I believe that when our wants are sanctified, they can be heard by the Father. If you've been walking with God for a while, you've probably heard or experienced many stories of God giving wants to His children. Don't be afraid to want something, but don't give in to your wants impulsively. If you have to choose between a want and a need, use your money wisely - buy the need. If you are currently in debt, my heart goes out to you. Seek the Lord and ask for help from a Christian who is wise in this area. I believe that God moves today and that He will move in your situation! However, you must do your part and learn your lesson to never again be a slave to debt. Learn definitively to distinguish needs from wants.

Remember: We must take money seriously. We have to be able to discern wants from needs. Doing so will help protect us from the trap of Mammon.