Frugalebrities
They call them “frugalebrities”—celebrities who know the value of a dollar.
- Actress Hillary Swank sees coupons as “a dollar in my pocket.”
- Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar says, “I clip coupons all the time. Why should you pay more for something that someone else is paying less for?”
- 7’2” NBA center, Roy Hibert tries to “live modestly” by clipping coupons and looking for deals. When dining out he says, “Going to restaurants, I make sure if I have a coupon, I use it.”
- Actresses Renee Zellweger and Halle Berry, singer Nicole Scherzinger, and talk show host Elizabeth Hasselbeck all claim to value frugality and look for “deals” when shopping for groceries, household items, etc.
Poverty is not a prerequisite to frugality. The scriptural call to good stewardship is to all us, regardless of our socio-economic status. You can be poor as dirt, yet waste every one of the few pennies you have. Conversely, you can be rich as a king, yet live by the principles of moderation and frugality. As one blogger put it, “A good steward lives generously, while using money in the most efficient way possible in their circumstances.”
“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has” (Proverbs 21:20).
Take My Spot, Please
The Independent reports that, a "Japanese company has implemented a radical parking strategy that has caught the world’s attention."
The strategy, which involves early employees sacrificing their parking spots for harmony, reflects the deep-rooted cultural values of cooperation and consideration in Japanese society.
To address the issue, they have adopted a system where employees who arrive early enough to secure a parking spot must forfeit it to a colleague who arrives later.
This selfless act ensures that those who live farther away or have more difficulty finding alternative transportation can have a guaranteed spot.
The Independent continues:
The system is a demonstration of the Japanese work ethic and the value placed on teamwork and mutual support. It underscores the importance of considering the needs of others and working together for the common good, even at the expense of personal convenience.
Critics might argue that such a system could lead to resentment or abuse, but reports indicate that it has been well-received by the company’s employees. The strategy seems to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility, reinforcing the bonds between colleagues and promoting a positive work environment. ...
[The program] offers a compelling case study of the power of collective action and the importance of prioritizing community over individual gain.
As Christians, the Lord calls us to adopt just such a "radical stratedgy" in ALL our dealings with others, putting the needs of others above our own. In this way, we can build a genuine sense of community among the brethren, and demonstrate a genuine desire to be witness to Christ's selfless love to the unsaved.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others" (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV).
"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Galatians 5:14, ESV).
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10, NKJV).
Empty Vessels
Check this out ...
"We bought a house FULL of JUNK...!! What did we get ourselves into?"
The internet is filled to overflowing with stories just like this one — people buying homes at auction or in foreclosure, only to have to deal with all the old furnishings and junk that were left behind.
A house filled with old junk and clutter is not fit for habitation. It would be of little value to us until it is emptied of its contents. We need an empty house in order to properly set up housekeeping and make a house a home.
The Lord has little use for people who are full of themselves, their past "junk," and old, worldly ways. He needs an emptied vessel so that He can come and productively make His home within us.
In his ministry, Jesus loved to use empty vessels: empty boats, empty nets, empty jars, and empty tombs!
Are you ready to empty yourself to be filled with HIS fulness?
"Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses [empties] himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:20-21, ESV).
"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ... [who] emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:5,7, NASV).