A Restorative Force?

When it comes to issues of money there are two types of people, those that choose to be God’s restorative force to people around them, and those can’t for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately many of those who cannot contribute in times like these are in that position because of runaway consumption.

Those that are able to contribute in this economy are largely able to do so because they have purposely chosen to live off of less than what they make when times were good and those around them were living it up. They did this so they could continue to help others who are in trouble because of their consumption, and so they can build a surplus for the future.

I’m no expert, but I am trying to live this out in my life. Every month I choose to limit my spending significantly. I do have to consume some things in order to live, but I do so cautiously…putting in place a simple lifestyle designed to honor God and the people around me who need my help.

My lifestyle is certainly lavish compared to some (I know this to be true as I have been exposed to some of the most horrific poverty around the world), conservative compared to others, but most importantly, it’s at the level that honors the one who gave it all to me. As you read this, the simple invitation is to figure out what part of your income was given to you to consume, what part is meant for helping others and what part is meant to build for the future.

I’d love to hear your comments on the ways that you are limiting your consumption so you can help others and build for the future. If you want to get really crazy, share your ideas about combining the two.