The Lord says, “All you who are thirsty, come and drink. Those of you who do not have money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend your money on something that is not real food? Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you? Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.” (Isaiah 55:1-2)

Ponder It.
What were the last three things you purchased?
What’s one word that describes your shopping style?
What’s one thing you regret buying?

Receive It. We buy more than we need. Just about anyone reading this has excess. You could sort through your house right now and get rid of half of what you have and still have enough. We go to the mall with our friends and find a great deal we can’t pass up. We buy one more shirt, purse, or belt we don’t need. Our issue isn’t just a spending issue. The issue is rooted in what we’re looking for; what’s the focus of our shopping? Being authentic in shopping is simply looking for what God most wants you to look. How are you doing? What do you look for throughout the day? What draws your attention? Are you looking for God?

I make a grocery list each time I go shopping. I have it saved on my computer, and it includes the most popular items I buy. I simply have to print it, mark what I plan to buy, add a few special items, and take it to the store. It’s organized by categories in the order of the store layout, so I can easily walk up and down the aisles and pick up what’s needed. I rarely get distracted by items I don’t intend to buy, because I try to stick with my rule: “If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t go in the cart.” There have been other times I’ve gone shopping for a pair of jeans, but I don’t like to try on jeans. I stop in the office supply store instead, because that’s a place I really enjoy. I end up with no jeans but fun new paper clips. Focus determines results. You notice and buy into what you focus upon. God wants you to be authentic in your shopping – not just grocery and clothes shopping but, more important, spiritual shopping. Look for God and invest in your relationship with Him.

Live It. Choose one drawer, shelf, or container to sort today. Make three piles: one to give away, one to throw away, and one to keep. Make sure your give away pile is larger than any other pile.