The Want-O-Meter

I have this thing I like to call a "wanter." When I was little, I wanted a contraption called a "Skip It." My friend down the street had one, and I told my parents that I wouldn't want anything else if they got it for me for my birthday. Never ever.
So they got me the Skip It and to this day I have never wanted another thing.

If only that were the case.

I've wanted super soakers and art supplies and tapes and cds and G.I. Jane's and Play Doh and Polly Pockets and clothes...

Today I could probably come up with a list of dozens of things that I desire. Lately it seems like my "wanter" is getting a little out of control. I want more money so that I can add more things to my already existing pile of things.
There will never be too many things produced for our "wanters."

Our culture seems to be obsessed with this never ending cycle of spending money on the newest gadget. Sometimes even more money than we have (!). I think that the way we handle our finances can be one of the biggest spiritual transformations.

After David makes plan for the Temple, he erupts into a beautiful prayer:

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

Should we tithe net or gross? What is the least amount of money that we can give without making God angry? David doesn't even think about these questions. David understood that financial blessing was a chance to in turn be a blessing. "Who am I that I can be generous? I want to build your kingdom, not my kingdom."

I am convinced that God has financially blessed me so that I can bless others. Why was I born in such an affluent country? Family?
Even though I feel very strongly about this, however, my want meter sometimes fights for control. It's so easy to say that I want to honor God by giving generously but then become infatuated with getting the next new thing.

Abba, purge me of my consumerism and help me to view money through Your eyes... Your Kingdom come and Your will be done through my financial decisions.