In a world oriented to online shopping and self-gratification, the world ‘FREE’ gets our attention for all the wrong reasons. But the call to ‘Be Free’ is such a welcome inspiration….
I recently read a blog about someone, who after spending a summer over-indulging on eating out was looking to regain control of her finances. She went on a ‘Spending Fast’. What caught my attention was how the instruction to give generously changed how she looked at what she had – she moved from scarcity (not having enough) to abundance (when you can give, you realize you actually have more than enough).
Like other types of fasting, a spending fast offers many benefits to both wallet and soul. I would highly recommend this exercise to you. Basically, select a period of time for your fast (one month up to one year) and ‘fast’ from all non-essential spending. For those that want to take this deeper, give the money you would have spent as a special offering – then share your story with someone. Be Free!
Our generosity (with or without a spending fast) offers a freedom that is so attractive to our neighbours.
- We can be free from fear – We do not have to be afraid and worry about what to eat, what to wear or where to sleep, because our loving Father knows we need these things and will look after us as we seek His Kingdom first (Mathew 6:25-33)
- We can be free from the pressure to conform – We can resist the consumer culture that wants us to be dissatisfied with what we have in order to buy what they try to sell us. By focussing on our gratitude for all that God has done for us through Jesus Christ, we discover a contentment which displaces greed, envy and malcontent. (Romans 12:1-2, Phil 4:11-13)
- We can be free to live – We are not only given the tools to live out our faith: love God and our neighbour; and be rich in good deeds and willing to share, but we also discover the freedom of life that is truly life. (1 Tim. 6:6)
Just imagine being free from malcontent and envy. Free from entitlement. Free from fear and worry. Free to live generously.
Sounds like such a good life!
Sandy Crozier
Director, Stewardship
