With the passing of “black Friday” and “cyber Monday”, we’ve just finished a week of shopping frenzies. Around this time of year we all eye our wallets and spend a good deal of time thinking about, preparing for, and going out shopping. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are continually counseled to get out of and avoid debt as much as possible. Still, this is a time of year when many feel the pressure to ignore this counsel as they try to fulfill the wishes of those around them in the spirit of giving.
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the wrong types of spending. The scriptures tell us not to concern ourselves with the costly things of the world. Rather we’re to focus on things that lift and expand our spirit in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 6:19-21
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Let’s first consider how to limit the wrong kind of spending, then focus our thoughts on what we can do to increase proper Christmas spending. Here are just a few thoughts for limiting spending on things that don’t matter so you have more of what matters to spend on things that will last for eternity.
? Give gifts from the heart rather than the pocketbook.
? The three wise men brought three types of gifts. Limit children to three gifts each: one for knowledge, one for the gospel and one for fun.
? Share before you ask. Start looking around for blessings you have experienced over the past year from people and places that have touched your life. What can you give back to them for the blessings they have given you.
Here are a few things it’s ok to overspend on this Christmas season:
Spend a little more time with a neighbor or friend.
Spend a little more on the little red bucket. Add a hot chocolate and a thank you for the person ringing the bell at that little red bucket.
Spend a little more time on your knees.
Spend a little more time singing.
Spend a little more time with your family.
Spend a little more kindness. A little more patience. A little more forgiveness.
A little more, Savior, like thee.
