Peaceful Living

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   Philippians 4:7 

We are spoiled rotten (American) brats.   The reason I think so is because I was listening to the news the other day and the broadcaster said, “In spite of unemployment and inflation, consumerism is up.”  We love our stuff and we’re not forfeiting it for any reason – least of all that we can’t afford it!  What kind of admission would that be?!

This has led to many thoughts.   First I was reminded of a wise older gentleman who was in our small group several years ago.   He gave me a quote that I have written on the inside cover of my Bible.   Ralph said, “He who buys what he does not need will often need what he cannot buy.”  I’m sure his own children got tired of hearing this as they grew up – but there is truth in it for sure.   

Proverbs 30:24-25 says, “Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise:   the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer.”   Ants are considered wise because they prepare for their future.   Too many of us are not considering our future when we spend our money.

The next thing I thought about was leadership, specifically Christian leadership.   Years ago I was taught by a Christian that self-discipline was a good sign of spiritual maturity and ability for leadership.   What the person said was that often if a person lacks discipline in one area they will most likely lack discipline in other areas.   The person who is chronically late will probably also lack discipline with money or with food or they will speak without self-control.    When evaluating a leader I was taught to look at the discipline of a person’s life – it shows a spiritual problem not to be in control of the things of this life – money, food, and time.  

Galatians 5:22-23says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”    

The third thing I thought about were the testimonies I have been reading and hearing from some friends who have recently completed Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course.    The two I have read or heard have paid off a lot of money in a short period of time and are truly experiencing the peace that comes from lowering debt to no debt.   I asked one if she would mind if I used her testimony.   This was her response, “We would be honored to be mentioned only b/c God has given us the grace to admit our mistakes and wisdom to help us reprioritize.”  That is the grace of God that leads to the peace of God!

The course encourages everyone to get out of debt and though it may not call it self-control it encourages class members to exercise self-control in spending in order to pay off debt and then to put money away – for the proverbial rainy day – which if it doesn’t come before, will be a storm at retirement if we have no money saved.    It’s doubtful that anyone will be able to depend on Social Security in the future.  

Proverbs 22:7, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”  The slave has no peace.   

As unemployment rises and along with it the inflation of the prices of food and everyday household items, we will need to learn to think differently than we have been.   Our spoiled rotten attitude of deserving to have whatever we want even if we have to put it on credit must change.   Like Paul we will need to learn to become content in all circumstances.   

In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul said, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.   I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.   In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” 

Many Christians have become so indebted to a bank in order to get a college education or to own a car, a house, a flat screen TV or some other worldly goods that when God calls them into ministry it has to be put on hold.    For others, children come along and the debt is so great that Mom doesn’t even have the option of staying home to raise her children in the fear and admonition of the LORD.    I can’t imagine how much blessing has been lost because of a failure on the part of Christians to tithe.   God promises that he will open the storehouses for those who tithe.  (Malachi 3:10)  Too much debt keeps many in bondage and living without the abundance God promises.    

 Our own selfish desires for stuff are hindering our spiritual growth and service.   

In Christ, we can exercise self-control in our spending.   We can learn to be content without having to own every new gadget, toy, or piece of technology that hits the market.    We can go to college and not accumulate debt.    (I know that sounds like heresy to many but it can be done.)  We can even wait to buy things we want until we have the money. 

With the power of the Holy Spirit  who lives in those who know Christ personally, we can pay our bills,  save money, and know the peace that passes understanding because not only are we financially free, but we are free to serve the Lord as he calls.