Living Within Your Means
Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 4:24 AM 
"Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination."
-- Oscar Wilde, Irish dramatist and novelist
Agree? Disagree?
Seems to me that many, if not most Americans, are pretty imaginative these days. I know I've struggled and been 'bit' by my imagination. Being a pastor, as well as a realtor, I have seen my fair share (and experienced it as well) of well-meaning Americans living outside of their means.
Maybe it was our upbringing. Maybe we want to give out children more than we received as a child.
Whatever the reasoning, it seems we are ALL paying for it now. Between the stock market, economy, real estate, and overall financial health of America - we are all being negatively affected. What to do?
Maybe, it's time we get imaginative - and actually live within our means... while still being content and satisfied with our lives. Just a thought.
Reader Comments (4)
I disagree.
First and Last...we need to turn to the Bible for EVERYTHING, not to other gods or our imaginations. And if we do, then where do we find the word “imagination” in the following scripture:
Proverbs 3:9-10 (New International Version)
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
So, live within your means, the provision of the Lord. Live (and work) unto the Lord. That means, living within Him, spiritually.
Choosing to live beyond our means is to say that God has not provided enough for us. It also robs God of our offerings and attention to him.
Thanks Bob & Paul - good insight! Biblical insight! Go figure!
Will God supply every need? Will we be content with Him alone and what he gives? The dessert along with some bread did not satisfy. The garden did not satisfy. So I think the root of the problem is stated clearly when we say living within our means. It's all about us. If we were to say live within his provision, then it's promised we would be fed and clothed. Try having a discussion with someone about down sizing, food, materials, entertainment, etc and you will find quite a crazy conversation. Would be refreshing if we were sent out with nothing in pairs trusting whole heartedly in HIm.