Have you ever found yourself swiping that credit card a little too easily? Do you sometimes wonder where all your money goes each month? You’re not alone. In our consumeristic culture, it’s too easy to get caught in the money trap of living beyond our means.
But as Christians, we’re called to a different approach to money and possessions. Rather than measuring our worth by what we own, our faith reminds us that our true value lies in being cherished children of God. And when we trust that God will provide all that we need, we find freedom from the relentless pressure to acquire more.
So, how can we break free from the money trap? By realigning our priorities, avoiding enslaving debt, and cultivating contentment, we can live within our means and honour God with our finances.
Let’s explore practical ways followers of Jesus can avoid the pitfalls of overspending and find financial freedom. The principles of Biblical stewardship can guide us toward wiser money management.
Here are 7 Steps on How to Avoid living beyond your means.
1. Recognise the Warning Signs
“Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.” – Proverbs 21:17
The first step to avoiding the money trap is to BE AWARE that you may be living beyond your means. These include:
- relying on credit cards to pay monthly expenses
- spending over 30% of your income on non-essentials
- having unpaid bills pile up
- maxing out credit limits
- taking on new debt to pay off old debt
- impulse spending without guilt
- not being able to save money each month
If you identify with several of these signs, it’s time to take an honest look at your spending habits and take steps to rein in your finances. Seeing the red flags is an important wake-up call.
2. Examine Your Motives
“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.” – Proverbs 16:2
When you find yourself tempted to overspend, pause and sincerely examine your underlying motives. Are you buying things to impress others, keep up with trends, boost your ego, or fill an emotional void? Be ruthlessly honest with yourself.
Overspending often stems from places like insecurity, pride, envy, boredom and discontentment. But material things cannot truly satisfy our souls. As Matthew 6:21 reminds us, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Before mindlessly making conctactless payments, prayerfully reflect on what’s driving your spending in order to identify areas requiring spiritual realignment. Ask God to transform you from the inside out.
3. Create a Realistic Budget
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5
One of the best ways to curb overspending is to create a detailed, realistic budget that aligns with your values, priorities and income level. Sit down and list all of your monthly expenses like housing, transportation, food, utilities, debt payments, insurance, etc. Be sure to build in reasonable categories for needs vs. wants, as well as money for periodic expenses like car repairs or medical bills.
Creating a realistic budget is like drawing a roadmap for your financial journey. Think of it as a flexible guide rather than a set of rules. Life is full of surprises, and your budget should be adaptable to the twists and turns along the way. Enjoy the freedom to make adjustments when needed, ensuring your financial plan remains a helpful tool rather than a source of stress.
Recommended Articles: ‣ No Emergency Savings? The Money Trap You Don’t Want To Fall Into ‣ Escape Financial Stress: 7 Keys to Inner Peace with Money ‣ 7 Benefits of Trusting God in Everyday Life: Ancient Wisdom ‣ Think Twice Before Falling Into These 5 Common Money Traps ‣ How to be a Good Steward of your Money
4. Pay with Cash
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7
Using credit or debit cards makes it easy to overspend since it doesn’t feel like real money changing hands. To increase your awareness of what you’re actually spending, try using cash for discretionary purchases like meals out, entertainment, hobbies, etc.
The physical act of handing over bills and coins makes you more conscious of the impact on your bottom line. When the cash for that category is gone, your spending in that area has to stop. Using cash can help break the overspending habit and remind you to pause before making purchases. It reminds you that what you spend comes directly from the funds you have available.
5. Avoid Impulse Purchases
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” – Proverbs 14:29
It’s easy to throw extra items into your cart on a whim while shopping. But giving in to impulse buys is a major source of overspending. When you feel tempted to purchase something on the spot, pause and ask yourself if you had planned to buy this item. If not, wait 24 hours before deciding.
This cooling-off period helps diffuse that initial excitement and prevents hasty decisions you’ll later regret. Also, avoid shopping when you’re hungry, tired, bored or emotionally vulnerable. Maintain a running list of things you need so purchases are more intentional, not impulsive. Saying no to impulse purchases will keep your budget intact.
6. Beware of Deceptive Marketing\
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” – Proverbs 14:15
Retailers and advertisers use subtle psychological tricks to make you feel like you need to buy something. Sales, limited-time offers, bulk pricing, and language like “you deserve it” all prey on emotions like fear, pride, and envy. They exploit human weaknesses for profit. Don’t be manipulated.
Remember that marketers have invested a lot in research on how to persuade consumers. Be a discerning shopper, identify when a tactic is trying to create a false “need,” and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom. The love of money leads some to use deceptive marketing, but we follow Christ’s example of honesty and integrity.
7. Remember Your Identity in Christ
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
As Christians, our worth is found in being children of God, not in material possessions. But it’s easy to forget this truth. When you feel tempted to overspend to boost your image or fill an emotional need, pause to remember who you are in Christ. You are chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and loved unconditionally.
No purchase can improve your status, because you already have worth as a child of the King. You don’t need to prove your value through spending. Anchor your security and identity in Jesus, not worldly things. Letting your identity in Christ guide your spending decisions will lead to greater freedom.
Reflection: Count Your Blessings, Not Your Possessions
As you make efforts to control your finances and live within your means, take time to reflect on all the blessings you can enjoy without spending money. Cherish relationships, laughter, quality time with loved ones, experiences in nature, using your talents to help others, and feeling close to God in prayer and worship.
These are riches no money can buy. Be creative in finding free and low-cost ways to thrive. Your contentment and joy should not be dependent on material things. And when you find freedom from the money trap, you can generously bless others out of your simplicity and surplus rather than excess.
