Common Sense

Possessions or People?

A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. - Jesus, Luke 12:15

Prescription for curbing the clutter

1. See owning as a liability not an asset - things we own require commitment of time

2. Unclutter - life is busy enough without the cramming more things into your space

3. Look down the ladder - don’t envy the rich but reach a helping hand to the poor

4. Resist the consumptive lifestyle - learn to relax with what you have

5. Make a list - don’t go shopping without a list and don’t deviate from it

6. Be creative - don’t buy solutions (wrapped gifts, fast food), plan ahead

7. More is not better - the more you have, the harder you need to work to pay for it

8. Counter the culture with like-minded friends - people who will support you

9. Pass it around - share things like motorhomes, canoes, rototillers, etc

10. Redefine happiness - happiness comes from being loved, not owning lots of stuff

11. Change your value system - people are more important than things

12. Forget the Joneses - stop comparing yourselves with those around you

13. Change your lifestyle - stop chasing things, instead value the blessings you have

14. Decide your possession endpoint - more is not always better

15. Make room - does the thirst for possessions fill your heart or love for people

He who buys what he doesn't need steals from himself. - Swedish Proverb

There are definite things that we need to survive in society today; clothes, shelter, food, and transportation. However, the degree to which we need them and the amount of each that is necessary is a debatable issue. It is our responsibility to evaluate our own lives and decide what is needed and what can be done without. God doesn't want us to live with nothing but neither should we live in opulence while some people around us have very little. Take a hard look at yourself and ask God to show you what you need and what can be done without.

Of all 15 suggestions, I challenge you to get on your knees and ask God to reveal the meaning of #10 to you. A materialistic society always makes possessions more important than people. Aren’t’ you glad that Jesus didn't take that step?

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Feel free to contact us at:

Common Sense Financial Ministries
22 Menlo Cres. Sherwood Park, AB T8A 0R9
phone: (780) 467-8031 (7283) fax: (780) 464-6564

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