do you have too much

In Proverbs 30 we're told that God's ideal for our finances is - enough to meet our daily needs so we don't live in poverty and are tempted to steal.  But not too much or we feel no need to trust in the Lord.


How we manage our finances is important to God - it's a reflection of where our values lie.

I'll never forget one lady I loved dearly that was always so generous and showered everyone with gifts and meals and whatever she could do to show her love by giving.

I was devastated to find out in later years that she was so far in debt she couldn't even pay the interest on her charge cards!  That immediately made me regret the fact that I had ever taken anything from her.  It made me so very sad - and made me feel as if I didn't know the real her at all!

My prayer in regard to financial things is the same prayer I offer the Lord about the rest of my life, may I do nothing that would cause another to stumble.  And, may I understand that finances are a really good indicator of the condition of my heart.

Do I feel I have to impress people, leading to overspending?

Am I stingy and don't meet the needs of those who are in need?

It's interesting how there is barely a middle ground when it comes to financial things - decisions are either made with regard to honoring the Lord by tithing and giving to others FIRST or driven by greediness to keep more for ourselves and to buy whatever our hearts desire.

So back to my original question, do we have too much?  What is too much?

entitlement mentality

I am surrounded by people that take missions trips all the time, that talk about how most of the world lives on $1 per day. How did the world ever get so lopsided financially? God has been unbelievably good to us in the United States. Still we gripe complain and overspend, then we end up in debt. Does this make sense to you? It's embarrassing actually.

Last night on tv they were interviewing people whose homes were in foreclosure. I guess the trend now is when people find out they are going to lose their home, the owner guts it and sells everything they can, including things attached to the walls that leave huge holes and almost unrepairable damage. An act of stealing really.

They interviewed a lady that talked about everything she was selling from a home that the bank technically owned. Acting as if she felt this was perfectly acceptable she said to the camera, "They are the people that were dumb enough to give me too big of a loan in the first place, so it's their own fault."

That statement stuck with me all night. I felt that it summed up so many people's attitudes around the country. How sad. I pray that as believers that is never our attitude - an attitude of entitlement.

I had to search my own heart and ask a tough question, do I live as if I'm entitled to whatever my heart desires? I had to admit sometimes I do. I overspend sometimes, I feel jealous toward what others have sometimes, I want the confidence that I see in others and even get upset sometimes when others have something I don't. How sad this must make my Father.

So what gave us this attitude of entitlement? Are you willing to take steps away from this attitude? I long to live a totally satisfied life despite my circumstances...not possible unless I abide in Him!