Black Friday Sales Event

Black Friday sales are just a week away. By this time next week thousands of shoppers will be flooding into the shops, stores and malls trying to grab up great after Thanksgiving deals. For some people it’s a day of bargain hunting and adventure. For others it’s a great time to stay home and avoid Walmart at all costs. For everyone it is the most dangerous economic day of the year.

Decisions you make on Black Friday will follow you all year. The “deal” you find on Black Friday quickly evaporates if you use a credit card. And forget that junk about paying it off at the end of the month. You and I both know that something always comes up and we let it ride, just one more month. As an example, take a look at this post from a guy who is trying to improve his financial health. It’s astonishing how much we pay in interest payments every month.

Here are a few common sense approaches to commit to now. Decide now to apply a Biblical model to Black Friday.

1. Set Black Friday Priorities

Jesus said, Seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Sometimes our pursuit of things leads us away from the Lord. Consider your fellow man and consider your level of giving to the Lord.Jesus also said, “lay not up for yourselves treasures on the earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20). Before you set foot in a mall Friday, make sure you have first things in first place.

2. Stop Black Friday Covetousness

Covetousness is an improper, overwhelming desire for material items. More than just wanting something it is the willingness to harm our own well being to acquire it. The unbridled use of credit is a fine example of covetousness. Didn’t Jesus sum it up so well when he said, “…be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

3. Reject Black Friday Materialism

Retailers know that Black Friday is the single largest sales day they have. Billions of dollars are pumped into their cash registers on this one day. It is in their economic interest to convince you to spend, spend, spend. Materialism is a first cousin to covetousness. It is a desire to acquire. Target stores were once very upfront about materialism. The tag-line for their credit card was, The Power to Get. That is materialism.

Paul was speaking of the pursuit of wealth when he wrote to Timothy but it is applicable when discussing the pursuit of things. “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into this world and we cannot take anything out of this world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

Resolve now to leave the credit card at home. Pay cash and avoid the bill that will arrive just before Christmas. When the holidays end and your friends are complaining about their bills, you will smile knowing your wisdom has paid off.

What do you think? Please leave your comments below.