Passion for Frugality

The economic meltdown of 2008-2009 has wrought havoc in the lives of many in the world. While those in the 3rd world suffer in poverty, hunger and unemployment; people in developed nations have been affected as well due to closure of businesses, unpaid mortgages and job cuts.  Even those belonging to the Forbes list of the richest people have seen the value of their investments plummet.

Associated Press reported on Oct 21, 2009 that “the global economic crisis has generated a new phenomenon: luxury shame, or the shunning of ostentatious purchase of expensive jewellery, watches and fashion.”  A Bain & Co study reveals that the global luxury market is expected to be worth 153 billion euros in 2009, compared with 167 billion euros in 2008.

Luxury goods expert Claudia D’Arpizio says that women this year opted to ‘shop their closets’ and accessorise to update their wardrobes rather than buy new clothes.  She tells, “Frugality is fashionable,” even among the wealthiest consumers.

“Frugality” is a rarely used word in a profit-propelled business world. Advertisements aim to convince consumers that this or that product is a necessity, if not the best one in the market. One of the truths behind the global economic crisis is that people have lived beyond their means, what with banking and lending institutions extending credit to the max, with hidden charges and penalties.

The synonyms of frugality are thrift, self-denial and abstinence. In practical terms, a frugal person is one who spends only on what are necessary and resists non-essentials. Greek historian Agesilaus taught: “By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest,” while modern-day industrialist John D. Rockefeller said: “I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living.”

Jesus Christ was frugal, living a selfless life with no attachment to the world, committing His life fully to the Father and His people. One rich man turned his back on Jesus when told that he had to distribute his treasures to become his disciple. “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” (Matthew 19:21-22) Sending out his followers to spread His teachings, He told them:   “Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses. Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.” (Matthew 10:9-10)

The baggage that we carry in our lives is filled with many useless items that keep us attached to the world, that slow down, if not prevent us from reaching the destination God willed for us.  Doug Dyment, creator of Onebag.com, who espouses the art and science of traveling light, says that the biggest reason people tend to over pack is the “general fear of the unknown…travelers don't know what they might need, so they take everything. You need to come up with a packing list.”

God, through Jesus Christ, has given us the packing list so we can arrive with certainty in His heavenly kingdom.  There is therefore no reason to fear, for as long as you “think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”(Colossians 3:2-3)

by Mel Libre