Black Friday, Christmas, and Luxury Items: 5 Questions to Ask Before Spending
As Black Friday, Christmas, and year-end shopping approach an all-time high, some of us are asking, “Is it ok for Christians to occasionally splurge on luxury items?” We see our friends going on expensive holidays, using the latest gadgets, and wearing stylish outfits; and we wonder, “Can’t I have them too?”
The Bible certainly talks about God wanting to bless and prosper us. This includes the promise of financial and material blessings if we follow His commands (Deuteronomy 30:9-10), as well as much greater and better things (Ephesians 1:3-14). Clearly, God does not want Christians trapped in the cycle of poverty, struggling to make ends meet.
On the other hand, the Bible has a lot to say about the trappings of wealth and the love of money being the “root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Indeed, God knows how vulnerable we are when it comes to our possessions, as it’s a slippery slope that can easily lead us away from trusting in Him.
What is a luxury item?
For the purpose of this article, we are speaking to readers above the middle-class income group who live above the poverty line. The term ‘luxury’ has also changed over time. In decades past, owning a car, a computer, or having air conditioning at home was a luxury; but these are now seen as necessities, as standards of living have risen and these items have decreased in price and become more common.
A luxury item, therefore, refers to “an inessential, desirable item which is expensive and difficult to obtain,” with one living in “great comfort or elegance at great expense”. Interestingly, the word ‘luxury’ means excess, its root word from the Latin, ‘luxus’. It has a slightly negative connotation related to indulgence, extravagance, and debauchery.
What does this mean for us today? The Bible does not have a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to whether or not we should order that new EV car, go on holiday to Greece next year, or buy that new Chanel handbag. In and of themselves, there is nothing wrong with these items. God wants us to enjoy this life and the good gifts He has given us (James 1:17), and it’s alright to have nice things.
But to help us make good decisions, we could start by asking some questions and thinking through our motives:
- Can I afford this?
This is the 101, common sense rule. It’s basic financial literacy that we don’t spend what we don’t have. This is why “buy now pay later” can be dangerous for those who are easily tempted in this area. If we’re getting into debt or borrowing from friends and family to fund our expensive lifestyle, it’s time to rethink our spending. - Why do I want this?
Is it because of what we’re seeing on social media? Or have we really done our research and waited long enough to know it’s not an impulse buy? I remember buying a luxury handbag because I saw a girl in church carrying it. It looked so good on her! In the end, I was unhappy with the bag because it was bulky and totally not my style, and I used it less than five times in the 10 years since. - Do I already have something similar at home?
Every once in a while, I think about upgrading my car. But I realise that it usually happens around Chinese New Year, when the younger cousins visit with their Car of the Year. A day later, I would come to my senses and forget the idea altogether. The Bible tells us to be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5). If we take stock of what we already have, we’ll be less likely to suffer from “shiny object syndrome,” especially if our current one is still in good working condition. - Is there a more affordable option?
We can’t escape consumerism, but we can live well in the midst of it.
There are many ways to enjoy life, and it doesn’t always have to be the most expensive option. We can still have homes, vehicles, clothes, gadgets, skincare and accessories, but we can go for mid-range instead of high-end, quality instead of quantity (which may mean spending more initially, but it lasts longer and costs less over time). We can’t escape consumerism, but we can live well in the midst of it.
- Can I do something else with this money?
The Bible tells us that a truly rich person is one who “gives freely” and that a generous person will generally prosper as they share their wealth with others (Proverbs 11:24-25). Instead of indulging in another luxury item, we can think about spending our excess income on helping someone in need. At the end of the day, it’s better to invest in a person than in an item (Luke 16:9) because as the saying goes, “the best things in life are not things.”
There’s a reason why there are over 2,000 verses in the Bible about money and possessions. God created us and He knows us well – He knows how easily we can be led astray to put our identity, security, and worth in material things instead of in Him.
So whether or not we are luxury consumers, let’s always circle back to the ‘why’, the reason we want to buy something, and to practise the generosity that the Bible teaches as we place our ultimate trust in God as our source of life, provision, and enjoyment.
Do you know someone who needs God’s presence more than material presents? Request a copy of our Christmas devotional Christmas Presents or Presence.
About the Author
Wan Phing Lim is a contributor to Our Daily Bread Ministries Malaysia. Born and raised in Penang, she studied Politics before turning to a career in writing. She loves coffee, books and films.
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