Are You Tempted by the World?

by Kelvin Wong 

The world is ever tempting us daily. We're bombarded by advertisements from various media promoting easy credit, glorifying luxurious lifestyles and encouraging us to give in to our sense of entitlement. You're tempted every now and then to treat yourself with some nice things in life regardless of whether you can afford them. Yes, you often feel entitled. You believe you deserve to pamper yourself with some luxuries because of your hard work. This was exactly how King Solomon (known for his wisdom, wealth and writings) felt when he said: "I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil" (Ecclesiastes 2:10).

One of the biggest issues that keeps people down financially is the sense of entitlement. Most debt accumulated by people resulted in increased spending due to giving in to temptations or their sense of entitlement. Because of their hard work, people feel they are entitled to items such as high-end cars, luxury watches, exotic vacations, fine dining, and the latest gadgets. Some of these items caused them to incur new debts or delay freeing themselves from debts. They end up getting themselves deeper into the debt hole.

You need to be mindful about your sense of entitlement. If you're careless with your money and want everything that your heart's desires regardless of whether you have the money, you could end up in financial ruins. It is important to note that the wise King Solomon, after experiencing everything that the world at that time could offer, realized his mistake and admitted: "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

God gave all of us things to enjoy. Nothing wrong with enjoying these things if you have the means to do so. However, we need to be wise stewards of God's resources. Our purpose in life should not be limited to just pursuing wealth and material things, else we'll end up "chasing after the wind and gained nothing!"

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How to Get Out of Debt in 3 Simple Steps
Is Money Evil?
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