Ever heard of the phrase, "Keeping up with the Jones´s?" It originated in 1913 in a comic strip where, as the obvious phrase denotes, others were living far beyond their means in an endeavor to keep up with the well–to–do class. You know, keeping up with what they were wearing, where they were living, what they were driving, what they were eating, and where they dined. (This is nothing that we do today, right?) Although it first appeared in a comedic manner, the basis of the phrase doesn´t always leave you laughing! It can leave you in serious debt!
But nothing is new under the sun. The same issue existed even in biblical times. That´s why the Apostle Paul wrote about this issue in 2 Corinthians. He said:
"When they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely."
Would it surprise you to know that most debt is accrued from keeping up with the Jones´s, per se? Most people fall into financial trouble because they are dissatisfied and compare what they have to what others have. And don´t get me wrong, we all struggle with this.
Scenarios such as the following often occur:
"Did you see so and so´s dress?" Response: "I have to get me one of those! " "Did you see so and so´s suit?" Response: "I have to get me one of those!"
And how do we usually pay for "one of those"? With our good friend, MasterCard.
"Did you hear where so and so went on vacation? It´s kind of expensive but we can, too."
No Problem, "click".
You enter your MasterCard number into that website and book your flights, room and rental car. All is set to go. All is fun and games until you get your MasterCard bill! Hey, I thought he was my friend….you might say!
It might be transportation choices , "Did you see his new Toyota?" It has keyless entry and a navigation system. Even though your Toyota is paid off and a little older, you start salivating like a dog when he sees his new bone. Inside, you have this burning desire to keep up with what everyone else is driving. You say, "I gotta have me one of those!" "No problem", the salesman says, "Sign here for a loan." Cling…handcuffs to a huge loan.
How about our entertainment choices? Maybe you´re a single guy out there and you want to impress that date. So you swipe that credit card at that fancy place downtown.
Or, you´re a woman and you see so and so´s earrings, or their hair this way, and so you make beauty salon choices that sometimes are way beyond your means. More debt accumulates.
You see, a lot of people get into financial trouble and fall into this financial trap because they´re living far beyond their means. You´ve heard the saying, it´s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Accumulating debt is the same way. It is all fun and games until we get that bill; and yes, it does hurt! Especially when we can´t pay for it.
Material goods, where we vacation, what salon we choose can all be great things that we enjoy, but only when we can afford them and are living within our means.
When you make it a priority to live by wisdom and let wisdom guide you, knowing that it´s not material goods that define you, but your relationship with God and who you are in Christ, then you will begin eliminating debt and experience freedom in your bank account! For this year, during economic uncertainty especially, one thing is for certain; it´s time to make wisdom our best friend and not our MasterCard, and choose to keep up with wisdom and not the Jones´s.
All of these things are important, but the most important thing you can do is to begin –
and that you can do today!
MARCOS WITT
Marcos Witt grew up in Mexico as a son of Missionaries. He is a recognized musician, psalmist, composer, writer, and conference speaker. Marcos has received two Latin Grammys in the category of Christian Music. He is founder of CanZion Institute, a school dedicated to the training of Worship Ministers and was named Senior Pastor of the Hispanic congregation at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas in 2002..