When I was young, I was told that there should be “a place for everything, and everything in it’s place.” This meant that it was good to be tidy, organized and neat. But this can also mean having life priorities set properly so as not to focus on the unimportant or less important things while ignoring things that deserve a higher place in my thinking. If I think today is more important than tomorrow for some things that is very true. But if I think this life’s pleasures, things and my personal goals are the highest priority, then I am a fool.
Kevin DeYoung has some excellent advice in the link that is provided below. Part of what he says is:
“1 Corinthians 1:30-31 says that Christ is for us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’ Money can’t give you any of the things you ultimately need. It can’t make you holy. It can’t make you righteous. It can’t save you from your sins. Wealth is a sign of blessing, but it’s also one of your biggest temptations because it entices you to boast in yourself. It promises to be your self-worth and promises to make you self-sufficient. It invites you to boast in something or someone other than the Lord.”
He concludes by saying, “Money is a gift from God, but the gifts you really need can only be found in God.”
I like the book of Proverbs, because I like truth that can be easily remembered and that is said with economy of words. Proverbs is full of wisdom regarding money and possessions. DeYoung provides “Ten Principles on Money and Possessions from Proverbs” in his article, but he doesn’t stop there. He then, wisely says “You can’t understand the biblical view of money unless you are prepared to accept a number of truths held in tension.” He then lists five truths worthy of careful reading and personal reflection. The first one is the one that far too many careful people do not understand, appreciate and apply to their life choices: “You’ll probably acquire more money if you work hard and are full of wisdom. But if all you care about is getting more money, you are the biggest fool.”
LINK: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/money-and-possessions-in-proverbs/
Know Your Flocks & Herds 
Reblogged this on Barefoot Lily Lady and commented:
Downsizing. It’s kind of a “thing” for people my age. We talk about how we’re “editing” our closets (I just worked on that project in September), or “minimizing clutter” by going through cabinets, drawers, garages and the like in search of seldom used or unnecessary objects.
Over the past two years, I’ve been tasked with helping my dementia-challenged mother downsize her earthly belongings in order to move to smaller accommodations. Twice, actually. As I’ve sifted through her belongings – especially her paperwork – one thing became very clear to me. My parents were generous. Generous with time. Generous with possessions. And generous with their modest finances.
This article by my husband brought my godly parents and their generous hearts to mind. Read on.
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