Instant gratification leads to long-term misery

God promised to supply your need, not your greed. When you get into debt by buying things you shouldn’t, don’t expect Him to bail you out. No responsible parent would do that, and God is a responsible parent. He gives you choices, and He points out consequences. He told Adam and Eve not to eat the forbidden fruit. Then Satan came along and said, “God doesn’t really mean it, you can do what you want and be okay.” Sound familiar? Advertisers do the same thing. One furniture company offers a house full of furniture with no monthly payments for two years. Question: if you can’t afford it now, how will you pay for it two years from now? It’s time for you to get out of debt, not deeper in. And the Bible tells you how: (1) Don’t be greedy for the things of this life, “for greed is a form of idolatry” (see Colossians 3:5 GNT). Instead of craving things you don’t need, enjoy the things you have. (2) If you’re not tithing, start now! You will be switching from the world’s faltering economy to God’s fail-safe economy. When you tithe, He promises to protect your interests and bless you. “There shall not be room enough to receive” (see Malachi 3:8-12). (3) Before you go shopping, try praying. Ask God about what you “need,” then wait for Him to respond. (4) Start giving away some of what you have. “It is possible to give away and become richer…[and] to hold on too tightly and lose everything…the liberal man shall be made rich!” (Proverbs 11:24-25 TLB). Obey God. Be patient and watch what happens.