In America, stores call the day after Thanksgiving “Black Friday.” Shoppers crowd the malls to find the perfect holiday gift. The next day also has a name: “Shop Local Saturday.” This is a movement to get people to support local businesses instead of only shopping at the big national stores. But why is it important to think about the local businesses in our towns? How could we reach our communities for Christ by supporting local shops and services?

Well, for one, when we shop local, we support our neighbors. The owners of these shops, cafes, and other businesses are usually members of our own communities who have a passion. They are trying to make our towns and cities stronger while supporting their families. When we visit these local places, we get to know our communities a little better.  We ensure that at least some of the cash we spend stays in our own town and benefits our neighbors.

As followers of Christ, it is important that we spend money in ways that would please Christ. In Proverbs, it says to “honor the Lord with your wealth,” and we can do this in many ways. When we seek to make our local communities stronger, we show others that we care. When they ask why, we can tell them: it’s all because of Christ – His love…He cares.  So do we.

This is Luis Palau.