Having THINGS is OK

In a day and age where material excess has been the cause of financial disaster for lots of people, we find that many tend to misunderstand that having material possessions is NOT a bad thing.

 

The problem is that most don't know how to have balance; they instead are either at one extreme or the other.

 

What do I mean?

Well, they are either at one end of the spectrum where they are frivously spending money they don't have, maxing out credit cards, over leveraging themselves to purchase things.

 

Digging themselves deeper and deeper in debt, stressing themselves out to "keep up with Joneses". 

 

But I've heard it said several times over the past few years, "quit trying to keep up with the Joneses, because the Joneses are broke also!!"

On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who think that it is a sin to enjoy material possessions so they hoard every piece of money they get, never spending for enjoyment at all.

 

Well, that's a miserable existence also!  Enjoying material possessions is definitely a lifestyle the Lord doesn't mind us having.

 

As the Bible states, "Delight thyself in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart" (Psalm 37:4).  I don't know about you but I have some material desires and I'm very grateful that the Lord is willing to give them to me.

 

Also remember, in Matthew 6:33, he states, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you".  And while it was referring to eat, drink and clothing, this scripture can be expanded to include other "things" as well.

So the key is to be conscious, disciplined and diligent in managing your money in order to achieve that balance.

 

For example: a $600 iPad?  NOT a good idea if you're deep in credit card debt, making $10.00 an hour trying to support a family of four.

 

But hey, if you're debt-free, you've built in your budget setting money aside to purchase that iPad and it won't disrupt any of the other goals on your financial journey, then by all means, get the iPad!!!

 

A $50,000 BMW?  NOT a good idea if you are just out of college, still have student loans to pay, a salary of only $50,000, living at home with your parents and your car note would be like $800 a month!

 

On the other hand, if you've accumulated a few hundred thousand in investment accounts, free and clear home with no mortgage, automatic savings and investment plans that continue to grow your wealth; then it might just be OK to go grab that BMW!

So know that it is perfectly natural to want (and strive for) getting things.  But it is extremely important to put them in perspective as it pertains to your financial goals and journey!

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