“Black Friday” signals the official start of Christmas shopping. Merchants offer early bird deals and extended hours to draw us. On “Black” Friday retailers traditionally begin to turn a profit or move from red ink to black. Many shoppers, conversely, move from black to red.

The enticement of free shipping and a discount on products got me in the shopping spirit. While online a strange phenomenon occurred; I started checking out products I never knew I wanted. One item was a mini blender for travel. I enjoy smoothies and thought about how cumbersome it is to pack my big appliance. Free shipping and a discount, should I buy?

I shook off the spell and remembered I had Christmas gifts to buy. I asked myself if I would buy it at full price? No. That meant I didn’t need it now.

My morning devotion read, “Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry,” (Colossians 3:5, NASB).

Greed is idolatry. Ouch.Continue Reading