Frugal Living Christmas
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Christians: How do you know when you're becoming materialistic and how do you handle it?
Okay, here's my particular situation. My husband and I live in a way that I would consider frugal. We eat out once a week, otherwise I cook all of our meals. We tithe, put a lot (considering what we make --- not like, millions) in savings and are almost done with *all* of our debt (student loans, car). This came out of necessity from us being relatively poor (no money in savings then) and has continued.
This Christmas, I've gotten a couple of nice gifts. A couple of checks and things. I spent *all* of it already.
This small spending spree has caused me to think about things differently --- like, maybe I *can* wear cute clothes all the time, etc. Things I'd kind of given up the dream on.
I guess I'm concerned because I don't feel like I accurately understand what materialism is. Compared to some in the US, maybe I'm not so materialistic -- but I'm worried my view is skewed because we are so rich here!
So - What is materialism and how do you deal with it in your own life?
Great question. My wife and I talk about this same topic all the time. We started our married life on the frugal side 17 years ago, and are still frugal.
The driver for me, on the frugal thing, was living in a single parent home with no expendable income - we lived through a couple of periods with no power, telephone, etc. - although short periods. This has had a life long impact on me.
From a spiritual perspective I know the Lord wants me to be a provider for my family. He also wants me to hold material things at a very low value level. There is a balance that I am working on - provision and minimized value on material things.
I think materialism is spiritually relative - your heart is being measured by the Lord, not by man. I'd suggest praying about it and I'd suggest submitting that area of your life to Him.
I've noticed that the more we give as a family, the more we're blessed. The driver for our giving isn't to be blessed, but it definitely seems to go hand in hand. He will bless His people, both spiritually and financially, in my humble opinion.
We are trying to get to a point where we tithe and give. I've heard some say that giving is in addition to tithing - 10% +. I want to get to a total of 20% gross income, and over time in excess of this. I know some folks who give much more than we do, but we are not they, and they are not we. ; )
