The Biggest Bargain

Sales signs are everywhere. Prices are slashed. January inventory sales are in full swing, and customers search for great deals. Advertisers bombard us with ads that entice us to get the newest products or the latest fad. They insist we can’t be happy without it. How can we resist such a fabulous buy at a bargain price?

Unfortunately, acquiring the advertised items doesn’t bring us lasting joy. Our elation with the latest gadget soon fades, and we long for the next new thing. A restlessness in our hearts steals our expected happiness. Have we somehow overlooked a better thing?

Contentment may be the best bargain.

When we’re content, we’re satisfied with what we have. We can truly enjoy the things we own, and we have other benefits as well. What are these advantages you say?

For one thing, contentment allows us to leave behind the rat race. We no longer have to keep up with the Joneses. That fact alone will save us a ton of money!

In addition, we’ll avoid the snares of tempting ads. Scams that promise us riches and other foolish deals won’t lure us into a trap of deceit.

Most important of all, a calming peace in our hearts will replace that inner turmoil we once had.

How do we obtain contentment?

1. Question the wisdom of acquiring each new item. When an advertisement tugs at your wallet, first ask it this purchase is necessary. That eighty inch TV or that new boat might be nice, but is it truly needed? If we own these things, will we be more effective to serve God?
2. Realize all things drain our resources and take time to maintain. Is that new item worth the time and expense it will take?
3. Acknowledge that all we have comes from God. He’s made us the trustees of His property, but one day we’ll have to give an account to Him. He’ll expect a report on what we did with His stuff. Keeping that in mind may change what we desire to buy.
4. If you have a real need, ask God for what you lack. In I Timothy 6:17 we’re told, “Don’t trust in riches but in the living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” One thing is certain: God will never short-change us.
5. Realize our home on earth is only temporary. One day we’ll leave behind all that we’ve accumulated here. Therefore, instead of cluttering our lives with unnecessary things, we may be wiser to invest more in the lives of others. Such an investment can have an impact that lasts for eternity. Plenty of worthy causes can use our support. This type of investment may bring us true and lasting contentment.