Financial Fast
As the New Year rolled in, Lisa and I along with several of our children and some friends embarked on a 21 day financial fast*. The goal of the fast was to evaluate spending habits and more importantly our heart attitudes toward finances in light of God's word by refraining from spending beyond necessities for 3 weeks. This meant no eating out, Amazon purchases, new clothes, etc ... for 21 days.
I would say that it has been a good experience for all. We have encouraged each other in our group text chain. We have had great conversations around topics of generosity, tithing, needs v. wants, budgeting, use of credit, etc... One memorable conversation centered on the cost of not following God's law, and by cost I mean $$$$. Our idols (sports, fashion, music, etc...) cost us regularly. Part of the 4th commandment is an invitation to rest our wallets. When we fail to rest it often comes with a cost. Our sexual sin is so financially draining, especially when you factor in divorce and its cost. The list goes on. It is an interesting exercise to run down the 10 commandments and think about their financial implications.
I am not advocating a financial fast for everyone, but it is good to acknowledge just how pernicious finances can be when it comes to living in the Gospel. Our Savior promises us that not a hair will fall from our head. He promises that he cares for us as he cares for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air (Mt. 6). He reminds us that He is our inheritance, that He alone is our source of joy (Eph. 1). In Him we are richer than an oil tycoon or a hedge fund manager. There is nothing on earth that can compare with what is already ours in Christ (Ps. 73). In the end, whether it is through a financial fast or some other discipline, this question will need to be answered, "Are our hearts overwhelmed by the love which Christ has demonstrated through the Cross?" "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” (Jer. 31:3) That is more than enough for me.
Photo by UX Indonesia on Unsplash