Why do we labor?

Ecc 4:4 "And I saw that all labor and all achievement springs from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind."

Have you ever stopped and wondered why you do the things you do? Maybe your friend got a new car or a new house. Maybe you like your co-worker's new outfit. Did your buddy get that new gaming system?

Envy is a funny thing. It is very subtle, but can quickly ruin a financial picture. Don't we all want the appearance of success to our friends and family? Have you ever made a purchase you didn't have the money to make? Out came the credit card?

It is so easy to get caught up in the envy game - I like to think of it as creating your own blessings. Rather than exercise a little patience and integrity in your finances, you figure you can pay it off when the bill comes in. The question is, do you pay it off when the bill comes in?

There are bills before Congress and the Senate now about coming down on credit card companies for over charging people when payments are late. Many Americans pay way too much interest on their credit cards, some to the tune of 29.9% APR! It is an outrage that credit card companies can get away with that.

But, it is no more an outrage that you agreed to take out that loan for a meal or a shirt because you had to have it now. Be careful of envy.

Practice self control and discipline and the Lord's abundance will flow forth in your lives.