|
CREDITDo you ever get the feeling as you watch TV or read the newspaper that no matter what you want to buy, it's yours for the asking? That isn't surprising because the objective of banks, finance institutions and major retail chains is to convince you that you don't need cash. Instant credit is now available. Over 80 percent of us now buy goods with charge accounts or credit cards.Someone once described shopping malls and department stores as 'temples of goods'. The colours, the lights, the displays, the hype, are all sending out messages. They are saying 'come in and spend; charge it; you'll look good, feel good'. What they don't say is that if you go overboard or slip up or get sick, then we'll throw the book at you. Plastic money. I can get a little plastic card, or several, pop them into an automatic teller, push a button, and I've hit the jackpot. But it's not just me, it's everybody. The offer of 'live now, pay later' is big business. It is tempting - and frightening. Every day there are more reports of people getting themselves into trouble. Counsellors are dealing with people suffering from depression, marriage breakup, even suicidal tendencies, because they are over extended financially. When my wife and I first got married, we had very little money. What we wanted we had to pay for, in cash. In those days credit was not encouraged. We bought only what was necessary, and we had a sense of achievement because we had to work and save to buy what we wanted. Perhaps the business world and the economy could not survive if the extensive use of credit did not exist. One of the most precious gifts in life is the sense of freedom - not having burdens around our necks. And believe me, living on borrowed money or credit is a burden. We can get so tied up with material things that we forget that the most important things in life are not to be bought for cash or on credit. The really important things are love, faith, beauty, friendships and hope. That is good advice. Enjoy God's world. Enjoy His love. Look around; there is so much to appreciate. Avoid getting yourself burdened with debt for things you don't need. Real treasure is without price. Have a good week. Pastor Ron. A companion Bible study is available as page 2 of the weekly message. Click here for that study.
|