Wouldn't it be easier if there were commandments in the Bible that said?
1. You shall not own a home over $300,000
2. You must drive a car that is less than $25,000
3. You must not take lavish vacations
4. Second homes are forbidden
The Bible is silent on specific lifestyle mandates. However, the Scriptures do have a lot to say about money and possessions. I have been meditating and thinking about one particular passage. 2 Timothy 2:3-4, "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him."
Possessions are a slippery slope. The people who live modest in our eyes; live lavish compared to over 90% of the world. God has blessed the United States with unbelievable prosperity and resources. Is this bad? Should we feel guilty because we are able to afford some things that add to our comfort and enjoyment in this life? Can Christians own million dollar homes, drive expensive cars, own second homes and take $10,000+ vacations? Is this sinful?
A common argument is that God calls some believers to live among the wealthy. The rich need Christ as much as the poor so the argument goes. Therefore, a Christian needs to live among the wealthy to win the wealthy. I personally don't buy that argument in light of Luke 12, James 5 and I Timothy 6. Those passages along with many others have stern warnings against acquiring possesions. Possessions want to be our master and it will compete vigorously for our affections.
This brings me back to 2 Timothy 2:3-4. I believe that the question every Christian must ask themselves in relationship to possessions is: Does this entangle my life or allow me to serve Christ with greater freedom? A strong argument can be made for buying expensive things. Nice things are often expensive because the quality is greater than cheaper versions. We have all experienced buying something at less cost only to spend more in the long run because it has to be replaced over and over.
The same is true for purchasing a home. There are lots of things to consider: schools, safety, family size, proximity to church, etc... There are no easy answers to these issues. God has taught me in recent years to enjoy nice things. Fine dining, vacations, possessions all come from His hand. These things are all a glimpse of Heaven and the eventual eternal prosperity that awaits those who call Christ Lord.
But these nice things are not to be treasured. They are to be used and shared but never trusted. Do our possessions entangle our lives? If the answer is "yes" what steps should we take to start untangling? As Paul said, "But one thing I do..." (Philippians 3:13). As Christ said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8). Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard interpreted this as purity of heart is to will one thing. It is to have a life that is free from the love of possessions.
Simple, strategic living allows a greater focus on the things that matter most. I pray that God moves our hearts to consider our entanglements carefully. We are called to serve one King, one Master, one Lord.
For His Glory,
Ashley Hodge
6 comments:
God never "blessed" you with nice things. And he certainly didn't bless America for it either. History demonstrates well that a pagan culture has always consisted of luxuries and beauty that even the churches couldn't compete with. Materialism is always materialism. You cannot serve God and lavish yourself. To think God blesses you with nice things is no different than a pop music idol standing at the podium on a music awards program thanking God for the award.
All these nice things were created through paganism under the influence of Satan. God has no use for such things, as they serve absolutely no purpose other than to corrupt people.
That's a good point Jeff. I had a discussion with my friend on this topic as well. God did bless Job with wealth. So does Abraham and Solomon. And God did say he wants to give good gifts to his children. I am aware of the prosperity Gospel and that is not the biblical Gospel. Possession does have a tendency to corrupt. The key point I believe is to know how to manage them wisely with self control. I don't think it's wrong to wanting a qualitative product for the purpose of its functions to do what it needs to do. It will be wrong when it is on the basis of status or self indulgence. I like what this article said about proposing this question to self when we want to get something "Does this entangle my life or allow me to serve Christ with greater freedom?" Thanks for the post.
Mathew 16:24. Is this denying one's self? Do these lavish things glorify God? Unfortunately what I see in my circle is people working extremely long hours to put the next million in their pocket. Disregarding their families and God, in the process. Job was blessed financially. He used his wealth to glorify God and his wealth wasn't his god. He didnt once, curse God for losing it all. His faith was in God, amd God alone. What are we telling God, when we trust in our bank accounts for safety? That His promises won't be upheld?
The good stuff we get is not the problem but what we think of it, how we use it and adore ot is the problem. Do we thank God for all those things? Do we appreciate God for that. Do we allow the Glory of God be seen through those.Do we use it to the glory of God or we merely merry in them. Do we put our hearts and trust in them or on God. We can have them and worship God in spirit and in truth without relying or keeping our hopes and trust on them
This article is very good and so is your response. Nicely put and they both help me understand the subject better thanks you.
Is is very true. When I your comment a verse poped into my mind "The intention behind all things."
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