Having an insatiable desire for money or material items is just as ungodly as not being able to control yourself where improper sexual desires are concerned. That’s because lust isn’t limited to fornication, adultery and sexual perversion; it can be present in any area of your life where there is an unquenchable desire for something. When you fail to discipline yourself where your spending is concerned, you can open the door to lust just as you can in any other area.
Whatever you meditate on will dictate your actions. If you constantly give your attention to material items you want to purchase, it will create a desire in you to acquire those items by any means necessary, even if you must spend money you don’t have. It’s not wrong to desire things, but it becomes a problem when getting things begins to dictate your priorities and spending habits.
Making impulsive purchases that you really don’t need or spending money that belongs to God are signs that you may be dealing with lust in the area of spending. Building the kingdom of God and sowing into your local church should be your first priorities. When you take care of God’s business, He will take care of your needs and desires. God says that you rob Him when you spend the tithe and fail to give offerings. A lack of control where your money is concerned will prompt you to do these things. If you let your desire for instant gratification take precedence over the Word of God, it will put you in a position for the enemy to come in and devour your finances (Malachi 3:8-11).
First Corinthians 9:25 says, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things….” That includes your spending habits. Renewing your mind is the key to experiencing victory over uncontrolled spending. When you renew your mind, you are able to prove what the perfect will of God is, which includes walking in self-control in every area of your life (Romans 12:1-2).
In order to take back the reins over your finances, you’re going to have to establish boundaries. But before you do that, ask yourself why you feel that you just have to have certain items. Is it because you are trying to maintain a certain image? Are you trying to prove something to your friends? Or are you buying things in an attempt to fill an emotional void in your life? Once you identify the root issue to the way you think, find a scripture that applies to your situation. Then confess that scripture daily so that it becomes rooted in your heart and mind, causing your actions to change.
The next step is to set up boundaries and stay within your guidelines. Think of money management in these terms: give, pay bills, save and use what is left for personal expenditures. You must get your priorities in order. When you know you owe money to creditors, don’t spend it on a high-priced item that you can’t afford. And don’t use God’s money for personal purchases when you haven’t paid your tithes and given your offerings.
Reckless spending, debt and financial bondage are not God’s will. He wants you to experience the good life and have more than enough in your bank account. He wants to bless you, but His ability to do that goes hand in hand with your level of stewardship over the resources you already have. Fill your heart with the Word of God and begin declaring your deliverance. Set your boundaries, stick to them and watch God turn your situation around!
This article provided courtesy of StreamingFaith.com.
