For the Love of...

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world-- the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches-- comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live for ever." 1 John 2:15-17

I have been thinking about loving the world a lot lately. Well, really, I guess I've been loving the things of the world a lot lately. I want a nice new car, I want more clothes and shoes and things for my apartment, I want to go out to nice restaurants and bars. But aren't these all desires of the flesh and pride in riches? And besides that, I just can't afford this kind of lifestyle! But let's just say I get a better paying job. Or let's say I get an extraordinarily good paying job. Then how do I live? Where does the line cross over from comfort into excess or greed?

I don't think God necessarily wants us to live in poverty, to be like the medieval monk who sat on top of a pillar for weeks exposed to the elements and starving. Or even the little hermits who lived alone in caves with only a candle and a Bible. I think God has a lot of blessings to give out, and that He likes giving to his people. It's all over the Bible, like with Solomon and David and Joseph and even Job. Job had it good, then was tested by being put in absolute destitution and misery, and then was given everything back ten-fold. I mean honestly, I hope God doesn't feel like testing me like he did with Job because who knows what I would do or if I would be as faithful. Plus, being covered in boils would just be uncomfortable! But how does God want me to live here and now?

I think He wants me to be responsible with what I have been given. So, ok, I can't go try a new restaurant every weekend and go out to lunch every day and buy new clothes all the time. That is not what I have been given. I also think He wants me to be satisfied. I have a nice apartment and nice things and I'm taken care of. I can still go out and have a good time. There are more satisfying things in life than possessions. Friends, family, nature, grace. I can find joy in the simple things instead of the complex and expensive things.

Alright, if you've stuck with me this far, I appreciate it. And as a reward here are a couple interesting and related links. First, this guy has been living on $0 a day for a decade! Also, this song is great!