Money can be controversial among Christians, especially as we enter the busy holiday shopping season. Yes, we want to be good stewards of the financial resources God has given us, but what does that look like, practically speaking?
Many Christians wrestle with one question: "Is it wrong or selfish to go Black Friday shopping?" Let's see what the Bible has to say.
What Does the Bible Say about Black Friday Shopping?
Because Black Friday shopping is a relatively new holiday tradition, the Bible never mentions Black Friday specifically. Therefore, the Bible does not say Christians should or should not go Black Friday shopping. It wasn't invented yet.
However, the Bible does have a great deal to say on the topic of money, spending, stewardship, and generosity. When we study Scripture, we find verses like these:
Proverbs 21:20 - "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."
Luke 12:15 - "...Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Luke 12:34 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Acts 20:35 - "...It is more blessed to give than to receive."
1 Timothy 6:6 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain."
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
Should Christians Participate in Black Friday Shopping?
Because the Bible doesn't mention Black Friday shopping specifically, it's up to each of us as Christians to research what the Bible says about money in general so we can take the Bible's general principles and apply them to our lives today.
In my book, Follow God's Will: Biblical Guidelines for Everyday Life, I share several insightful questions Christians can use to determine God's will on issues like Black Friday shopping that aren't immediately clear.
Let's go through a few of them together.
1. Does the Bible Give an Explicit Command?
In this case, the answer is no. The Bible says we should be content, give generously, and steward our financial resources well, but it never specifically says we should or should not go Black Friday Shopping. This is a decision God gives us the freedom to decide for ourselves.
2. Has God Already Given You Clear Direction through the Holy Spirit?
When the Bible doesn't give us a specific command about a topic, our next step is to seek the Holy Spirit in prayer.
We can pray, "God, how would you like me to use the resources you have given me?" or "Please reveal any pride, selfishness, or greed in my heart and replace them with love, generosity, and Godly contentment."
Perhaps participating in Black Friday shopping would allow you to be more generous with your gift-giving this year since you could make your dollar stretch even further. Alternately, perhaps God may be telling you, "You already have enough." This is a question only you and God can answer.
3. Does this Decision Fit with God's Character?
I love the prayer we see King David pray in Psalm 139:23-24. "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
This is a great prayer we can pray too! As we seek to know God's will for our lives, we often need to take a step back to evaluate our motives and compare them to the heart of God.
Why do you want to go Black Friday shopping? Are you wanting to be a good steward of your time and money so you can give generously while still providing for your family's needs? Or is your desire to go Black Friday shopping fueled by greed, pride, or ego?
Are you more concerned with amassing more "stuff" for yourself than you are with pursuing God, cultivating your character, or helping those in need? Additionally, is your pursuit of "more, more, more" negatively affecting those around you (including the store workers who are missing time with their families), or are you providing additional income for small business owners who need to provide for their families too?
5 Reasons Christians Should Not Go Black Friday Shopping
Whether or not you decide to participate in Black Friday shopping this year is ultimately between you and God. However, here are five reasons you might choose not to participate in the holiday shopping craze this year.
-You may be tempted to spend more than you would otherwise in order to get a "good deal" you don't actually need.
-You would rather spend quality time with friends and family than fight the crowds in the store.
-You would rather spend money on meaningful gifts and experiences than generic mass-produced products.
-You would rather be content with what you have than succumb to greedy consumerism.
-You can often find the same (or better) deals online on other days.
5 Reasons Christians Should Go Black Friday Shopping
That being said, here are five reasons why you might choose to participate in Black Friday shopping this year.
-Shopping for Black Friday deals can help you provide for your family's needs while stewarding your budget well.
-When you spend less on your family's needs, you have more money left over to give generously to others.
-Rather than shopping in the big box stores, you can choose to bless small businesses, non-profits, and ministries that need your support.
-Many retailers offer online shopping and extended hours, so you can grab the deals you want without having to miss time with your family.
-Black Friday is a fantastic time to stock up on canned goods, gifts, and winter accessories. You can donate to the many canned goods, coat, and toy drives that regularly occur this time of year.
While it would be wonderfully convenient if the Bible always gave us clear direction on God's will for our lives, unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Instead, it's often up to us as individuals to spend time in the Word and prayer to determine where God may be calling each of us individually.
If you would love additional help answering the question, "What is God's will for my life?" I'd love to invite you to check out my latest book, Follow God's Will: Biblical Guidelines for Everyday Life, for practical, step-by-step advice you can use no matter which question or situation you're facing today.
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Brittany Ann is an ECPA bestselling author and founder of Equipping Godly Women and Monetize My Ministry. She’s also a Christian speaker, podcaster, and conference host. Her work has been featured on numerous TV, radio, and online ministries, including CBN, MSN, Christianity Today, Evangelical Alliance, Patheos, Crosswalk, and more.