Does God Care If I Have Nice Things? by Matthew Young

Nice is relative. To one, a new Ferrari is nice, and to another a used vehicle under 100,000 miles is nice. Let's boil the question "Does God care if I have nice things?" down to more specific ones, such as:

• Does God care if I purchase a purse over $300?
• Does God care if I fly first class?
• Does God care if I own a home that is more than 5,000 square feet?
• Does God care if I drive a car for pleasure, not just practicality?
• Does God care if I have expensive hobbies?
• Does God care if I eat at expensive restaurants?

No one can definitively answer these questions, but another set of questions may help.

1. Is it necessary?

I am not saying every purchase we make must be a necessity. If that were the case, we would never be able to enjoy a latte or a movie. I do believe this is a starting point, however because necessities are necessary.

2. Is it responsible?

If we have established that what we desire to purchase is not a need, but rather a want, then we must establish if it is a financially responsible purchase.

3. Is it beneficial?
There are many things we want and that are financially responsible, but are not beneficial.

4. Could this money be of better use somewhere else?

What it comes down to is a lifestyle. We are commanded to live with open hands, being generous and sharing because in so doing we are laying up true treasure that is lasting (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Beware of finding yourself holding too tightly to luxuries.


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excerpt from an article in Vital Magazine                                          click here to read entire article