How Sensible Are You?

Lisa was quite frustrated with Jacov.  He and his wife were not in agreement when it came to living sensibly.  She wisely stewarded resources while he grew up living lavishly.  Their arguments over finances and possessions put significant strain on their marriage. His lack of preparation and impatience often caused them unnecessary challenges. Finally, in desperation to bring peace, Jacov found a marriage counselor that he and Lisa could go to for help.  To their surprise, the counselor actually made their sessions pleasant and more importantly, he equipped them with ten guidelines to help them live sensibly. He encouraged them that if they both observed these recommendations they should have less friction and fighting in their marriage

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1.         Fix things on your own if you can instead of always hiring someone to help.
2.         Efficiency is good.  Don’t waste things.  Be frugal.
3.         Purchase by value and not for price, and don’t pay retail prices whenever possible.  
4.         Don’t compare yourself with other couples and what they have or do.
5.         Look for alternatives before buying and when possible, buy used items.
6.         Exercise patience.  Emphasize communication.
7.         Only buy when you have money or the necessary resources to barter.
8.         Buy or consume only what you need.  
9.         Look and plan ahead so you are prepared.  
10.    Don’t make any major purchases without both partners agreeing and with a commitment not to incur unnecessary debt.
 
Meditation
Matthew 25:1-4--Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take olive oil with them. But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 
 
One of Jesus’ less mentioned parables is the story of the 10 Virgins.   The main point He makes to His listeners is for them to be alert and prepared. Sensible people are prepared people. The value of frugal living is that we protect ourselves from distractions that cost us from being focused on what really matters.  For example, if we are preoccupied with spending money, accumulating things we don’t really need, we are not centered on God’s plan.  If we are careless and don’t plan wisely like the foolish virgins, we miss meeting the groom.  To be frugal is to be careful and prudent.  This is what enables us to maximize living while minimizing frustration. Take your flask, so if you are delayed you have enough olive oil.  Leave the candy!  
 
Inspiration
Prudence means practical common sense, taking the trouble to think out what you are doing andwhat is likely to come of it.—C.S. Lewis in The Joyful Christian
 
©2019 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)