“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” – Luke 12:15

Black Friday is one of the most awaited holidays after Thanksgiving Day — there are crazy crowd and deals everywhere and you will encounter chaos if you are not prepared enough for this biggest sale of the year event. However, you can avoid these things from happening if you will apply some tips to have a hassle-free shopping spree during this day.

Plan ahead.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3

There are a couple of days before Black Friday and you have enough time to carry out some plan. Get a piece of paper, a notebook or a planner, pen and write down all the things that you want to buy during this Black Friday Sale such as your Christmas present to yourself, family, friends, co-workers and brethren in Christ. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9. Look for some ads and information during the sale season and compare the price or deals — write down the list of the stores that you want to go and their perspective deals, prepare your discount coupon and plan your day diligently. “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” – Psalm 20:4

Set a realistic budget.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” – Luke 14:28

Set your budget when buying gifts and stuff for yourself and loved ones and eliminate the things that you don’t really need. Use cash as much as possible to avoid spending too much money using your credit card. “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7. Be a good steward of God’s blessing and spend your money wisely. Write down all the things that you need to purchase and allocate a specific amount on it. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5. Thus, Black Friday Sale is also one of the best time to buy gifts for Christmas, so find the best deal and share your blessings to others. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

Get up early and pray.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” – Mark 1:35

Seek God first and pray when you get up in the morning — have conference with God and read His Word before you start the day. Thank Him for His blessings and fill your home with thanksgiving and praise. Ask God to protect you from evil and to strengthen you during this busy day. “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” – John 17:15. Ask your spouse and children to pray with you and invite God’s Presence in your home. “Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” – Isaiah 33:2

Stay focused to avoid impulse buying.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21

Keep yourself calm and composed to avoid impulse buying. Don’t go crazy over sale and deals on the things that you don’t really need instead spend on this that really matters and that will bring glory to God. Think of the things that will ignite your faith such as Bible, devotional books, faith-themed decors and toys. “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” – 1 Timothy 6:7-8. Be contented with what you have and avoid temptation. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” – Matthew 16:26

Bring a companion to make shopping more enjoyable.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1

Shopping is one of the best activities that you, your family or friends will enjoy together. So, bring them in the mall and spend quality time with your family or friends. Complete your shopping list, eat some snacks, stroll in the mall, find the best deals on Black Friday and bring a smile to each other’s face. “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Mark 10:9. Be a role model to your children when buying stuff, have discipline and practice self-control. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Lastly, don’t forget to hydrate yourselves and to take care of your body, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring shopping bags and more patience because the line queue in the stores and counters are overwhelming during Black Friday. Also, to avoid the Black Friday crowd — take advantage of online sales/promos on your favorite shop or stores. Bookmark the sites, choose the item that you want, check the deals or discount, add them to your cart, checkout and wait for it to be delivered to your home.