Predictable Pitfalls of the Holidays

Originally posted 11-20-11.

Our pastor shared some great tips this week for avoiding the "Predictable Pitfalls of the Holidays".  I though I'd just post them because they were a great reminder for us.  Who knows, may you might benefit from them, too?

First of all let me say this: we were reminded that celebrating and feasting are Biblical.  So as Christians, let's enjoy each other's company and celebrate all the blessings God has given us as well as celebrating the Greatest Gift of all, Jesus.

By the way, if you'd like to watch/listen to any of our pastor's sermons online you can.  Just click on the little linky here.

Over-indulging

1. Be an influence, not influenced
2. God is honored when God’s people act like God’s people
3. Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. – Proverbs 20:1
4. Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. - Proverbs 23: 19-21
5. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. – Galatians 5:22

Over-spending

1. Make a budget and stay on it.  What may seem like a good idea in December, doesn’t have the same appeal in January when the bill comes.  (I mentioned a plan in this post.)
2. Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.  Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. – Proverbs 23: 4-5
3. The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets. - Proverbs 21:20 (Living Bible)

Over-committing

1. Its okay to say words like: “We’d really love to participate but we aren’t able to at this time.  Thank you for thinking of us.”
2. To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.  All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.  Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.  The LORD works out everything to its proper end – even the wicked for a day of disaster. – Proverbs 16:1-4

Over-compensating

1. Don’t let guilt cloud your good judgment.  You cannot buy love or respect.
2. Don’t fail to correct your children.  You won’t kill them by being firm, and it may even save their lives. – Proverbs 23:13-14 (CEV)

Over-sharing

1. Not everyone wants to hear your “stuff”.
2. Never miss out on a glorious moment to shut up.
3. Just because you have an opinion in your brain doesn’t mean that it needs to come out of your mouth.
4. Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. – Proverbs 10:19

I hope these little tidbits help you to have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's!