I Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
This verse came to mind earlier this week when I was browsing through a forum looking for new deals for the Wal-Mart deals page. There were some interesting discussions going on regarding the use of certain coupons. People were discussing using a coupon clearly intended for something more expensive on a cheaper item of the same brand. They were sharing which items they had found for which the coupon went through without beeping. At first I found myself reading the discussion, trying to discover whether I had the coupons being discussed, and curious as to what items were being purchased with them. I really had no intention of actually using the coupons in the way they were being discussed; I was "just curious." It was then that the Holy Spirit brought this verse to my mind.
The people with whom you associate will influence the way you think and act. If I were to consistently read discussions like the one I noted above, it would be very easy to start thinking that it actually is okay to use those coupons in an unethical way. "Everybody else is doing it, and they think it's fine," I could rationalize. But just because others are doing it does not mean that I should.
So my conclusion is this: Be careful to whom you listen! Remove yourself from the influence of anyone who does not have Biblical standards lest you find yourself tempted to adopt their unbiblical patterns of thought. Let the Bible be your guide for holy living!
How has the Lord worked in your heart this week? I'd love to have you leave me a comment or send me an email and let me know!
Thanks for this... isn't it so tempting to use coupons in an unintended manner? We have to remember that God doesn't approve of that. Blogs like yours are a good reminder!
ReplyDeletethanks for this reminder. I too get tempted and want to use coupons in the appropriate way.
ReplyDeleteI have a question about overage. Ex.if you are buying an item and it says any size,and the item is below the mfr and the cashier pushes the mfr through for that exact item and you get overage does the store still get paid and is this legal? I've been using coupons for over a year now. I want to be well educated and help others save money too.
Thanks,
Christina
I just wrote a similar post around noon and I think it's no coincidence, but definitely a confirmation. Thank you for sharing what the Holy Spirit impressed upon you.
ReplyDelete@ Saving 4 My Family,
ReplyDeleteI have honestly never been able to get a definitive answer to this question. The best I can do is make sure I'm not trying to hide what I'm doing. I try to explain the situation to the cashier/manager. If they know exactly what's going on and choose to allow me to use the coupon, I'm not going to worry about it. If you ever find out the official legal answer, I'd like to know too!
Thank you so much for your posting! I was just on another site that promoted using the satisfaction guarentee as a rebate. I often am tempted, but know in my heart that it is not right to do so.
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to see so many of these types of blogs talking about their faith. Keep up the good work!!!
Thanks Centsible Savings for your answer. The Cashier's at my SFWY will push a coupon through if it says, "any size" on it for that product & it is for that item.
ReplyDeleteThey usually get the mgr if there are questions for aprroval. I will let you know about getting an answer as soon as I find out.
Even though I have been using coupons for a year now, there is still a lot to learn. I want to be well educated for myself and my viewers.
Thanks again,
Christina
Are the questions about using a coupon for a trial size that cost less that the value of the coupon? EX-Tide coupon says -$1.00 off ANY size. Target sells the trial sizes for .99 cents. I used 10 of those coupons last week-the manager just took off .99 cents for each one (making them free). I always try to do everything just right...I feel like God will bless me for it in a bigger way than improper use of a coupon ever would! One thing I noticed this week was at Publix-the STORE coupons say "can not be used with ANY other discount or coupon". I have always used both store and man. coupons on the same item.....and the cashiers and managers KNOW it (I always line them up together when I give the coupons to them)...I need to ask about that though. I say "go with your gut" always! God will lead you!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your integrity...a value that is found less and less these days.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me sad when people are irritated with me when I go back to a store if I was given the wrong change (in my favor) or if I was incorrectly charged (in my favor).
Honesty should not be out-of-the-ordinary, but, unfortunately...that's where we're at these days!!
I feel ambivalent about this myself. But when you realize that the banks and car companies are getting bailouts while the little guy cannot pay his mortgage. Inflation and higher taxes and food and fuel costs. It is hard to not to try a do something to get by.
ReplyDeleteStephan,
ReplyDeleteThere is never any justification in doing wrong. God is a whole lot bigger than the government, and He will provide for the needs of His children; I don't need to be dishonest (which in essence is simply being a thief) in order to save a little money.
That aside, there is one more aspect of this that occurred to me. The store makes money on accepting coupons. If they are accepting your coupon, and they are making money how is that stealing? It is a win-win for both the store and the customer. At the end of the day is the cashier going to be short(Then I would not want to do this)?
ReplyDeleteNice to see somebody urging coupon lovers to be above reproach. I am bothered by how often coupon sites border on unethical in the pursuit of a good deal. It's not worth selling your soul for material possessions, however cheap!
ReplyDeleteWhy use coupons at all? If you think about it, I must have sold my soul everytime I paid less than full price.
ReplyDelete