We already knew materialism exists these days, that America is in the midst of the longest buying escalation in history. Now this morning's New York Times offers the latest trend: buying Christmas presents for ourselves. Retailers say that they're selling more than ever before, but that much of it is apparently for the buyer. Gifts are first for ourselves.

One retailer says, "It's really greed buying, but we don't call it that." Rather, the industry calls the trend "self-purchasing." And my 1974 Chevy Vega wasn't a terrible, oil-leaking disaster, it was just engineeringly-challenged. An article in today's Times documents that cars from the mid-1970's and '80's are far less interesting to collectors than those of other eras. I'm sure my lemon (it was even painted yellow) is the reason why.

If you're self-purchasing, don't buy a car from me. But you may be able to take your time in buying something else for yourself. Michael Crichton's new novel, "State of Fear," has the environmental scientists up in arms. Crichton contends that much of the data warning of global warming trends is misinterpreted or downright wrong. The scientists he criticizes are returning the favor, convinced that the author is either uninformed or maliciously misrepresenting the facts. While the weather may not be heating up, those who study it are.

I cannot predict the future, or the economy. But I know a way to use both. On this day in 1853, Illinois Institute opened in Wheaton, Illinois. As the school struggled financially, the new president turned to Warren Wheaton, asking for a large donation of property. He offered to name the school Wheaton College, telling the very wealthy man, "That will at least save your heirs the expense of a good monument." Wheaton College has been training young people and ministers "for Christ and his Kingdom" ever since.

A tycoon gave a large percentage of his possessions to his local church. Then the stock market crashed, and he lost everything. A friend said, "If you had what you gave to your church, you'd be able to set yourself back up in business." The wise believer replied, "No, if I had kept that money, it would be gone as well. As it is, it is the only possession I have kept. My church is winning souls to Christ and building his Kingdom for eternity. I own only what I gave."

Will your resources outlive you? All your "possessions" are yours only temporarily. But the next person you see this morning is eternal. Whatever you invest in his or her life and soul you also "self-purchase." You own only what you give. Spend wisely.

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