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Key Bible Verse: Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Bonus Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:10-11

Slick, colorful brochures lie on my desk. They're from sales representatives eager for me to use their state-of-the-art equipment.

But nothing will be purchased until Materials Management scrutinizes my justification letter, explaining why, when, where, and how the equipment will be used. These requirements methodically expose any emotional attachments I have to an apparatus's newness. I'm forced to honestly measure its value to my department. And since I know Materials Management won't approve a purchase based on a letter filled with feelings, I usually don't waste my time writing one—and throw 98 percent of the pretty brochures into the trash!

Composing a mental "justification letter" is a savvy practice that works great in everyday life, too. I used to get so excited about the newest high-tech gadget that I'd practically run to buy it, never questioning its value to my life. Soon it would be added to my I-felt-I-had-to-have-it dust collectors.

But my growth in Christ has taught me to be still when the urge to spend strikes. If I pause to allow the Holy Spirit to put my feelings in check, I can honestly measure any product's value to my life—and break the chain of foolish spending.

—Howard Swann in Texas

My Response: Could I justify my latest major purchase by Material Management criteria?

Thought to Apply: You can't have everything. Where would you put it?—STEVEN WRIGHT (humorist)

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Help me, Lord, to break the small child's compulsion to say, 'Mine! Mine!' and loosen my grasp on things.

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