People often strive to limit their expenses during the Christmas season. While some people manage to do so, other Christmas shoppers tend to splurge and find themselves in a tough spot every January.
According to legendary American evangelist Billy Graham, God cares about people's financial woes and concerns, and that is why He has given a lot of advice on how people should handle their money.
"The Bible actually has much to say about money and how we ought to use it. It points out, for example, that no matter how rich or poor we are, we should use our money wisely and thoughtfully," he writes in an article for The Kansas City Star. "We also must guard against using it only to satisfy our selfish desires; instead, we should use it to meet our needs and the needs of others."
Graham reminds people that their financial wealth, as well as everything else, comes from God. People are simply stewards of God's money, he says, so they should handle it with care.
For those who are unable to manage their money correctly, Graham wants them to reflect on their spending habits. Maybe "you don't take practical steps to limit your spending," he says.
Graham suggests that next Christmas, they should "set a realistic budget before you ever buy even one gift — and stick to it. Examine your motives also; avoid buying gifts just to impress others or make them like you."
At the same time, Graham says people should not wait until next Christmas before controlling their finances. "Begin today by putting Christ at the centre of your life. Then ask him to help you see your money from his point of view, and take steps to establish a budget and pay off your debts," he says.
