Encouragement for Today
Principle 4
“Coveting Pedicures”
Sharon Glasgow, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team
Key Verse:
Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” (NKJ)
Devotion:
I saw my friend’s to-do list posted on her refrigerator; Grocery store-Milk, eggs, butter; Post office- stamps; Nail salon-pedicure. That last word grabbed my attention. Does everybody get a pedicure, I wondered? Everybody you see seems to have one, and I mean everybody! I instantly felt sorry for myself- I’m the only woman who can’t put pedicure on her to-do list.
Have you ever felt sorry for yourself over something as petty as a pedicure?
Pedicures aren’t a sinful desire, but when I get resentful that I can’t get one it becomes trouble. Every time I notice that I’m slipping into that discontent mind-set I must stop myself and remember what God said in His Word about being discontent.
My attitude is my choice. So here is my plan for dealing with my desire for pretty, pampered feet:
Decide what you can afford. Buying a French manicure set can be as cheap as $4. You can also purchase the heel shaver and file for under $4. Soak your feet for 10 minutes in warm water, then scrub away all that dry dead skin. Follow the directions on the French manicure set for beautiful nails. Wait until your nails are dry and then rub lotion or Vaseline on the bottom of your feet. Finally, put some old socks on to lock in the moisture. Tomorrow you can show off your perfected toes.
If you know of someone who can’t afford the money or time for a manicure or pedicure, bless them with your new skill. People like young mothers with babies, mothers of children who are critically ill, single women who struggle financially or elderly women would all love to be pampered.
I look forward to the day when I can regularly visit a nail salon for my manicure and pedicure, but until then I’m choosing to be content with my homemade nail salon.
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, help me to put all things in the right perspective. Help my thoughts to be without covetousness, and help me to be content with such things as I have. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
It requires God’s help to be content with every condition of life. To have the right attitude requires constant guidance from Him. Read His Word - it will be the source of your strength.
Reflection Points:
What things prevent you from being content?
What are you doing to counter your negative thoughts?
Power Verses:
Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. . .” (NKJ)
I Timothy 6:6, “Now godliness and contentment is a great gain.” (NKJ)
Psalm 37:3, “Trust in the Lord and do good. Live in the land and feed on truth.” (NCV)
Additional Resources:
Cents and Sensibility by Bethany and Scott Palmer
Dollars and Sense by Cynthia Summer
Material Girls, ETC Corner March 2005
Originally published Tuesday, 17 October 2006.
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