Let’s stop the bus of life for a moment and consider where we’re going. What are we focusing on? What fuels the fire of our lives? What motivates us to get up in the morning? 

Many people aren’t motivated to get up, they’re compelled to do so by pressing financial obligations. 

It bothers me how car salespeople make monthly payments seem affordable, but you’ll end up paying for six years. And when you think you’re done, there’s a 30% balloon payment due immediately. At the end of the six years, you had paid almost double the original price. 

The salespeople are very smart. They know the look in people’s eyes and see how they long for a new car. They also know people want to fit in and avoid being left behind. 

Before we know it, the payments become too high, and we’re trapped. We’re so busy working to survive, we don’t have time for anything else. 

Most of us have fallen into this trap and we struggle with the responsibility of making the figures balance. That is why I say we must first look for a place where we can stop and together with the Holy Spirit look where we’re going and what we’re chasing. 

Examine this verse. Compare it to your life and identify the red flags: 16-17Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. 

We’re constantly exposed to better and more beautiful things. One moment we’re content with our car, but after seeing flashy ads, we suddenly find flaws in it and it usually ends with: “The other one is so much safer! You can’t put too high a premium on our safety.” 

The result is a vicious cycle: we work harder, spend less time with family, and the end of the month becomes even more stressful. And we’re just too tired to work on our intimate relationship with God. 

The devil doesn’t tempt most of us with sins like stealing or killing. Instead, he subtly plants desires in our hearts. 

Remember: it’s only temporary. Instead, invest your time and money in what lasts forever. Its value is out of this world! 

Scripture
1 John 2:15-17 

Reflection
Is the month too long for your money?
What does the world do with your eyes?
Where do you have to look differently? 

Prayer
Father, I’ve been looking in the wrong places and I desire the wrong things. Help me to focus on the right priorities, Your desires. Amen.