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A Word For Shopaholics
Every Sunday morning when I’m in town. . .my fine wife Bev and I enjoy having breakfast together before going to church.
I’d like to tell you that we share this meal at a local restaurant eating something healthy but this is the one day we splurge. There is this donut shop that has chocolate cream cheese muffins that make your tongue slap your tonsils. . .it’s so good.
Our normal routine is to enjoy a leisurely breakfast while reading the Sunday newspaper. I will confess to you that I read the comics and the sports page . . .in that order.
It might surprise you to learn that I avoid the front page of the newspaper. I’ve done this for years since I realized that morning sickness doesn’t come solely to those who are pregnant but rather can be caused by a daily diet of biased political reporting from a newspaper.
Last Sunday I was enjoying “The Lockhorns,” one of my favorite comics, along with “Shoe” and “Peanuts.” This particular Lockhorns comic showed LeRoy and Loretta Lockhorn driving up in front of the mall. LeRoy parked his car near the mall entrance where the parking sign read “Reserved Parking for Loretta Lockhorn.” LeRoy looked at his wife and said “Will you admit now that you’re a shopaholic?”
The cartoon would be funnier if over the years I hadn’t heard so many people bemoan how they got themselves into debt and personal economic chaos shopping.
Compulsive shopping is a common substitute for temporarily happiness. . . sought out as a diversion from conflict at work or home. . .it’s also a disastrous remedy for lack of self esteem.
I remember a lady in Detroit who had credit card bills exceeding $100,000 for purchases at local malls. She had gained weight after the birth of her children . . .and it seemed to her that her husband was losing interest in her. So she got credit cards without his knowledge and ran up this enormous debt.
Tragically this lady was using shopping and spending to soothe her emotional distress but the net result was greater unhappiness and deepening marital conflict.
I’ve seen and heard similar scenarios repeated way too many times.
Shopping will never bring you happiness. Spending money you don’t have will not ease the pain of loneliness and rejection . . .only trusting in God and His Word can bring the changes necessary for that kind of peace and well-being.
Maybe you have the money to impulse buy if you want. Just remember, there may come a time when you can’t buy everything your heart desires and then your habit will cause you trouble. Besides, being a good steward means making wise expenditures regardless of how much money you have to spend.
There are people who say they just enjoy walking the mall and window shopping. If you have a problem or challenge not spending money when you go window shopping, then my advice to you is simple. . .STAY HOME.
I feel prompted to also warn folks about shopping at home. Make a definite commitment to immediately throw those unsolicited catalogues that load your mailbox into the recycle. Don’t use the shopping channels for entertainment and unsubscribe to email solicitations from merchandisers.
Don’t give any place to addictions. Even addicts know they must never put themselves in a place of temptation.
Do you think it’s wise for an alcoholic to visit a bar?
Is it smart for a drug addict to stop by to say hello to his friends on drugs?
The scripture says AVOID temptation.
Jesus was continually warning His disciples about temptation.
“When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." Matthew 26:40 MSG
In Luke 22:39 in the Message Bible Jesus says, "Pray that you don't give in to temptation."
“Yes, but Brother Harold, it was such a great deal.”
I have a revelation for you. . .if you can’t afford it. . .it’s not a great deal.
I’ve always taught my children . . .some have listened better than others. . .that there will always be a deal. As long as people are selling stuff, you will always be able to find another “incredible opportunity” to spend your money.
Now I want to share a scripture the Lord led me to several years ago. It’s my scripture for shoppers found in Proverbs 4:25. The Amplified Bible says:
“Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you.”
If you must go to the mall or go shopping. . .keep your eyes focused on your objective. Do not window shop. . .do not walk toward the rooty-tooty, fresh and fruity blue light special sale. Keep your eyes on your target. . .even after you arrive at your destination. Do not stop at the 40% off display that’s on the walkway through the store.
The problem is if you stop to look at it, touch it, smell it and try it on. . .you may not buy it today. . .but you’re feeding the wrong thing inside of you . . . impulsive buying
Matthew 6:13 says: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Your enemy. . .the enemy of your soul is a master a dangling seductive bait hoping that you’ll take a bite and get hooked.
Make no mistake, buying stuff with money you don’t have or don’t need to be spending is a trick of the enemy and the ultimate purpose is evil.
Fix your eyes on the item you went to purchase and nothing else. . .let your gaze be straight before you.
The Message Bible says Proverbs 4:25 this way:
“Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions.”
Believe it or not, this same scriptural philosophy should guide your trips to the grocery store as well.
Lots of money is spent designing “end frames” (the display racks at the end of each shopping aisle) that will appeal to the impulsive buying habits of the store’s customers.
Years ago there was an anti-drug campaign entitled “Just Say No.”
Some people just need to say NO to shopping. It just makes Good $ense to avoid temptation. . .whether you’re a shopaholic or not.
There is one other financial aspect to Proverbs 4:25 that we should cover.
“Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you.”
If you want a new car or you desire a down payment for a new house. . .keep your eyes focused on your goal. Save money for your objective. . .do not get swayed or sidetracked by special deals.
Have you ever noticed that sprinters running a race are always fixed on the goal? If a runner ever looks to the side or behind them, they’ve lost the race. Keep your eyes fixed on your objective. . .and you’ll win the race. . .as you press toward the mark. . .the prize. . .the high calling.
One final thought. . .when you do go shopping, pray before you leave and quote scripture while you’re there. . .the devil’s temptation can’t hang around when you bring in the heavy artillery.
For your gift of support Brother Harold wants to send you:
Increase Your Expectations
Stop basing your expectations on the world around you.
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