"There is only a certain amount of money someone needs and the rest is for showing off" Words of wisdom from Forrest Gump's mother.
It is funny how this world works..As I have gotten back into life in the states I have been trying really hard to keep prospective. The hurricane has helped certainly but I have seen how easily I can be drawn into the indulgences of this world. I know I posted about these thoughts last time, but I have to say that the thoughts and contemplation over "stuff" is still on my mind and I have chosen not to push it aside, maybe I am being molded, maybe I am now in a place to listen.
I have come to believe that scripture has much more to say about a life free of materialism, a life of simplicity, a life of freedom than we care to acknowledge.
Scripture that I contemplated.....
1. Rich Young Ruler
2. Beatitudes
3. Parable of the store barns
4. The tenth commandment
5. Matthew 25
I find myself everyday being called back into the ways of this world and the desire to "have." I also know it stems from the very core of who I am as a human....Selfishness, greed and vanity.
I see it in myself when I go to the mall and my head is turned at "all the new". I see it in myself when I am driving down the road and my head is turned by the new shiny cars that drive by me.
I don't know how many times I am driving along side a nice new car that I am embarrassed by my 10 year old car, not wanting any one to think I cant afford more. Is this not my own vanity?
What if my descion to have less was an intentional choice that reflects my journey with the Christ, and my desire to serve the kingdom rather than fullfilling my own desires. I think this could be the most counter cultural I could live in our day an age.
2 comments:
In reading your posts, I am reminded of a friend of Father Tim's in the Mitford Series books. I don't remember his name...wait, it may have been Homeless Hobbs...and not to spoil the story for anyone who hasn't read them, but I'm about to...
He's this guy that lives out in the woods alone (not that I would suggest that) in a small place. He once lived in the city and was high in the finance and money-making world but found it futile. He told Father Tim he has only two pairs of pants (if I remember correctly) and he gave one to Father Tim...He said he could only wear one at a time anyway. Everyone viewed him as the poor homeless guy, but it was his choice in the way that he lived and he was content.
THAT guy made an impression on me of the way we should view our stuff--share it, use it for the kingdom and to help others when we can to the best of our ability--and of what we really need--food, clothing and a rock to lay our head.
However, I don't think there's anything wrong with having stuff or being comfortable. David was favored by God and he was rich by God's design as were other rulers. God gave the Jews the plunder of Egypt when they fled and he often gave them the riches of the enemies they had conquered.
So maybe it's more in our attitude about having "stuff". Do we live to get and to get and to get, or do we receive and give thanks and appreciate and share? Maybe that's the thing.
Hey Mrs. Lori. I have a new post and I hope you comment on it.
Hannah Vogt :)(:
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