Bread?

There are numerous good sources of personal devotional reading: The Bible, other inspirational books, devotional books, … and credit card statements! In Isaiah 55, God issued a gracious invitation through the gospel prophet: “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1).

The inference is clear. The one who comes to God can freely receive grace and mercy. Then Isaiah issues a challenge, asking a very pointed question: “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” (verse 2). While certainly talking about more than one’s finances, Isaiah is also speaking to what we are doing with the means entrusted us by God.

This is where reading a credit card statement or reviewing receipts can be such an effective exercise. Are we spending our money on “bread,” or are we frittering it away carelessly, investing it in that which has no eternal value? God’s admonition is, “Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance” (verse 2). There is a balance that must be found: vacations should be taken, vehicles must be purchased, clothing must be worn, and food must be consumed. But do all vacations need to be expensive? Should all vehicles be purchased new? Do the latest fashions really need to be adopted? The answers to these questions will rightly vary from person to person. But with Americans owing nearly a trillion dollars in credit card debt and credit card delinquency on the rise, it is clear people are spending money they don’t have —often for things they don’t need.