The motivation of this blog is based upon the theme of “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child,” with the foundation of GOD . FAMILY . COMMUNITY. The order speaks of the priority of such matters beginning with God, and the way we influence or impact our families and our communities.

In the bible we are reminded of the parable where Jesus compares the house built upon the sand and the house built upon the rock. We know that without a primary, first foundation in God through Christ Jesus, nothing can stand. We also need to duplicate these lessons as they provide wisdom and premise for our interaction in other areas of our lives. 

A foundation in God means that we are called to be stewards over all He has given and provided for us to care for ourselves and others, hence the bond of family, and corporately, the bond of community. 

Our posts deal with forming a strong community, and economics is one of the key factors. We cannot build without a strong and firm structure, else that which we build upon shall collapse. It’s time to lay the groundwork, this way we can work and build upward.

Today, let’s talk about CONSUMPTION and WASTE. These fall in line with stewardship and causes us to examine what we do with what we have. The answer isn’t necessarily that we need more money or even more income, but that we better regulate the use of what we already have. Truth be told, if we had more money or more income, without a change in behavior, without better stewardship, we would spend even more. 

We even manage to spend what we don’t have. Don’t believe me? How many have already prepared to spend their tax return? Yes, the one you haven’t even filed yet? Tax preparers now even offer a service where you can bring in your W2 and borrow from your return. Isn’t that spending what you don’t have?

African-Americans are the largest consumers, yet we own the least. Many of us live beyond our means — materialism being the root cause of most of our spending — purchasing things we can’t afford and things we don’t need. Have you ever heard the saying, “We buy what we want and beg for what we need?” 

We respond to the call for every manufacturer who advertises the next “new, latest, greatest” gadget, or designer brand fashion, and then we struggle to take care of our needs. What’s wrong with this picture? Most of our buying and spending activity is done outside of where we live and is of no benefit to our families or communities. This is a sure fire recipe for ECONOMIC DISASTER on an individual and communal basis and on even a much grander -scale. 

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying nice things, but if we all would be honest, we have much more than we need. Do we really need another pair of shoes or sneakers? Could we save that money, and use it more constructively? Could we plan to take a child or two to the museum or somewhere they haven’t been? We are looking good, but where are we going?

Waste is not only directed toward what we do with what we aren’t using, waste begins when we buy that which we have no use for, because those resources could be redirected toward other things. It is wonderful to give away gently used our unused merchandise. Retailers now have businesses based on the resale of such items, now called consignment shops and thrift stores. 

BUT WHAT IF… (yes, what if) we put more thought up front before making purchases, both large and small. I just believe we would tap into another well of resources and learn better stewardship and distribution of what we’ve already been blessed with. 

Til next time…

Clarence Matthews
Elder's Ledger

Reclaiming the Village, One Topic at a Time!

DeeClare Publishing, LLC is one of the proud sponsors of The Earl Morgan Hour, aired by Go Pro Radio, a community-focused online radio show with thought provoking topics, and local guest interviews.

TUNE IN EVERY WEDNESDAY at 7:00pm at www.blogtalkradio.com/theearlmorganhour.