Retail Therapy
We hear about it every day. The news programs lead with this story, the front page of the newspaper brings the latest update. You know what I'm talking about...the financial situation we find ourselves in nowadays. What are the causes? Who is to blame? Have we turned a corner yet?
One thing is clear; our culture has experienced an epidemic of overindulgence. According to the Center for American Progress, household debt averaged 133.7 percent of disposable income in late 2007-a record. For every 100 dollars a family earned, they spent $133.70. Millions are using credit cards to pay essentials such as medical bills, car repairs, and rent.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying the resources we've been blessed with as long as we're debt free, tithing to God's work, and acting generously toward those who are less fortunate. But falling prey to emotional spending will get you into trouble every time. You know what emotional spending is, don't you?
| The emotion | - The justification to spend | |
| Boredom | - I'm looking for entertainment | |
| Depression | - I'm seeking happiness | |
| Stress | - I'm seeking relief | |
| Inadequacy | - I'm trying to better myself | |
| Guilt | - I'm trying to redeem myself | |
| Positive feelings | - I deserve a celebration |
I'm sure we are all familiar with the scenario. We wind up using spending as an ineffective emotional Band-aid. The benefits are so temporary and we provide our children with a terrible example to follow.
For many of us-yours truly, included-disciplines, especially when it comes to spending, are a very powerful way to exercise spiritual maturity. Have you considered how your spending pro-claims your faith? I think God is providing all of us with a very special opportunity to display genuine Christian behavior by our spending and giving. Are we up for the challenge?
