James 1:5-7 NLT

'If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.'

Today, so much is available and our perception of what is necessary is extensive. The message carried on the ether of society is that I deserve everything I desire. Little thought is given as to the real use I might make of it and the consequences of having something. For example, it is important that we each have a roof over our heads. Yet, in Britain today, the Resolution Foundation report that four in ten of us own no property at all while two in ten of us own two properties. This is a 30 percent increase since 2000. The reality of renting a property is stark. It consumes up to half of what someone earns and they secure no long-term security.

God is clear, we are to seek wisdom in determining what we need. This perspective has become easier the older I get. When young, issues of self-image and materialism drove much of my thought life. I consumed in ways that were unhelpful for both my and the environment’s health and satisfied no more than my perception of my needs.

Often the biggest challenge to changing my ways was the pressure created through comparison with the life choices of others. I was motivated to replicate them, without any real reflection if this was best for me. Slowly taking charge of my own decision-making and submitting to God’s scrutiny before acting upon it has produced for me a simpler and satisfying life and time style.

QUESTION: How wise are the choices you have made in life? This is not an invitation to regret; rather, a challenge to consider looking to God first in making any decision for your life.

PRAYER: Guide me to relinquish my hold on distractions and focus on what you consider important and a priority.