I've been convicted lately about boastfulness. I'll be the first to admit that many a sentence sounds like this from my lips: "oh yeah, I got this dress at Macy's for SIX BUCKS!!! [OR] "this couch is from Craigslist basically brand new for $$$." I also tend to speak in terms of money when I'm around other people, namely those who are in the same stage of life as we are. Elaborating endlessly on all the "great deals" we find, or how to cut corners, and really, I see that this worship of being cheap is just a different way to idolize money and boast in how great of a job we're doing. Instead, wouldn't it be better to give glory to God for from him all blessings flow? It wasn't ME who chose to shop in a frugal way, it was the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and God's grace alone that a better financial decision was made. I am looking at this from a few angles.

The first angle: being cheap sometimes means that one can obtain more. The less spent on one item merits more spending on other little things. Things that might not be essential, and signifies that we as people desire wiggle room in our budgets to feel secure. Being frugal allows us to make more purchases, thus the pursuit of stuff is not diminished, but justified by it's price tag.

Angle two: Boasting in our 'awesome finds' makes us seem shopper savvy, or financially responsible, but might be a clue that we idolize money so much that we are still misusing it, not to further the Gospel, or be sacrificial.

I don't want to become legalistic on this issue, but I do feel it is important to keep the "last taboo," somewhat reserved. Admitting fully, that I am remarkably guilty of bragging about how much we acquire from Craigslist or sales items. I want Jesus to receive the glory for the lifestyle we are blessed with. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."~James 1:17