Do this in December and you’ll have a better new year.

Someone was bragging about an awesome deal on a new car because they got “good financing”. Instead of minding my own business I told him “good financing” is an oxymoron. How can anything that makes us a slave to the lender be “good”?

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.     – Proverbs 22:7

At this time of year when it’s so easy to go into debt to demonstrate our love, or more likely, just to fulfill what we feel is an obligations to give a gift, it’s a good time to meditate on the warning of Proverbs 22:7.

If we can afford to make that monthly car payment why not continue to drive our old car a little longer, put that astronomical car payment into the bank each month and in about 4 years you can buy a newer car with cash.

Then continue to make the car payment to yourself and, wow, just a four year delay of gratification and you will be able to buy cars with cash the rest of your life.

“But my clunker needs expensive repairs.”

Even the most costly repairs are usually less than a one month car payment. And what’s going to happen to that car if you trade it in? Someone’s going to make the repairs and happily drive that car for many more years. Why shouldn’t that be you? The cheapest car you’ll ever own is the one you have right now.

Mom and Dad, don’t be ridiculous this month and spend money you don’t have. Find ways to enjoy simpler pleasures. Your kids don’t need the junk and you don’t need the stress.

Just some thoughts that might make Christmas a little less blingy but will make many January, February, March, Aprils, etc a lot more cheery.
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The fact that many of us (Christians) are called poor is not our disgrace, but our glory. Yet who can be poor if he does not want, if he does not crave possessions? Rather, he is poor who, having much, craves still more.

A traveler is happier the lighter the load, Likewise, we are happier on this journey of life when we walk in poverty, rather than groaning under the heavy burden of riches.

– from “Octavius” (a defense of Christianity written in the second century)
Read the entire work at: www.earlychristianwritings.com

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