I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12–13
I thought we’d gotten a handle on our money, but the bounced check notice from the bank told me otherwise. John and I had only been buying things we “needed,” the problem was we’d been doing it with the same money.
As a writer there are lean months followed by more abundant months when a royalty check comes in, but I’ve discovered that my ideas of what a “need” is changes with how close I feel to Jesus at that moment. If I feel close to Him, “things” don’t matter. But when He’s far off, and I haven’t been spending time with Jesus or focusing on Him, I attempt to find pleasure in other things.
One good question to ask whenever I want to pull out my checkbook or debit card is: What does my spending show I delight in? Of course, maybe you’re not like me. Maybe you’re a saver instead of a spender. If so, here’s a question for you to ask: What does my saving show I put my security in? Whether we save or spend, we can either do it with contentment or can try to fill a need or try to build up security. Yet walking with Jesus is rarely about security.
“Then Jesus asked them, ‘When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?’ ‘No,’ they replied.”
When we’re walking where Jesus sends us, our ideas of our “needs” quickly change. It’s not about doing better with what we have—or saving more—it’s about understanding the greatest treasure we have is Jesus, and with Him everything else matters less.
Faith step: Look at your bank statement and ask, “What does my spending—or saving—show I delight in?”
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