Keeping Up With the Joneses

"Keeping up with the Joneses'' is a phrase I learned as a child when hearing my parents speak about someone we knew that always had to have the biggest or most expensive items in the neighborhood.  If someone got a new riding lawnmower, within a few weeks this particular neighbor would have a newer, bigger and better one.  People with money are not always like this, but sometimes they don't know what else to do with their money, so they have a tendency to "out-do" the possessions of those around them to show their financial status.  

Sometimes, "keeping up with the Joneses" can put those that do not have a lot of money in financial straits, because even though they really can't afford something, they want everyone around them to think they can. They overspend their income by taking out loans to a point that they are in debt way over their heads.   The next thing they know, they have to declare bankruptcy and end up losing everything they had.  This becomes very embarrassing for them.  

Of course, there are also those that have money and handle this gift from God very wisely; becoming benefactors to many organizations that help those that are less fortunate.  They are not driven by their desire for everyone to see just how much they have.  They realize that what they have is a gift and that it is not something that should be squandered foolishly on things that do not last or just to impress others.  They are considered good stewards of what God has so graciously allowed them to have in this life here on earth.

The love of money has been a stumbling block for many for centuries.  It can become an all-consuming fire for some of us that pulls us away from our faith and love of God, who provides us with all we have.  Money can also be a great gift that can be judiciously handled to benefit others.  The best thing to do with our gifts from God, whether it be money or talents, is to give them back to God as an offering.  We need to prayerfully consider all God has given us and then offer whatever He has given us back to Him to be used for His glory.  God will bless these gifts to Him abundantly - bringing us peace and contentment in this life, as opposed to all of the problems that these gifts can bring if they are hung onto for ourselves.   

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the many gifts You have given us.  We ask that You allow us to return these gifts to You so that they may be used to further Your kingdom.  Amen.

~ Wendy Miller