Shopping can be stressful during the Holiday season. Here are a couple of things to consider to help you not fall into the trap of the shopping frenzy.
1. Check Your Motives. Evaluate our motives, Ps 139:23-24
Why do you want to go Black Friday shopping? Are you wanting to be a good steward of your time and money so you can give generously while still providing for your family's needs? Or is your desire to go Black Friday shopping fueled by greed, pride, or ego?
2. Contentment 1 Timothy 6:6 "Godliness with contentment is great gain"
Black Friday and Cyber Monday often turns our heart quickly from being thankful to discontent. Paul taught that God gives us the strength to be content in any circumstance.
3. Covetousness Luke 12:15, 34 Be on guard against greed…, where your treasure is, your heart is…
4. Charity - Acts 20:34 it is more blessed to give than to receive.
1 Tim 6:17-19 17As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
A good prayer for guidance
We can pray, "God, how would you like me to use the resources you have given me?" or "Please reveal any pride, selfishness, or greed in my heart and replace them with love, generosity, and Godly contentment."
Remember Christmas is about Jesus, The gifts at Christmas were given to Jesus. Let's remember the reason for the season.