Pride
Posted on October 17th, 2007 by joebib into the joebib writes categoryA while back, one of the sisters on the blog mentioned in passing that she had a hard time justifying her lifestyle, in regard to having (nice) stuff.
I know exactly what she meant. I, too, have felt a bit guilty at times about what I have in the way of personal possessions. I mean, all you have to do is read about what believers in other countries are going through, just to survive each day, and you wonder why we have so much here in America. Can it be attributed to a mere coincidence, or is it the hand of God?
When I was younger, in my 20s-30s, it wasn't as much of a consideration, as the financial constraints of trying to provide for a wife and three children themselves forced me to keep my "stuff" down to a bare minimum. I bought the cheapest of everything I personally needed ($10 tennies at K-Mart), and then a bit nicer stuff for what the kids needed, within reason and practicality.
But, lately, now that my children are all grown and out on their own (hurrah!), and the finances are flowing a bit more freely, I find myself acquiring nicer "stuff." Instead of buying older trucks, like I did for years, I now buy brand new trucks, when a good, used truck would probably work just as well. And that's not all. On this last one, I also threw on a nice, loud Flowmaster, just so when I rev up the motor, it will rumble. Now, why did I do that? The Flowmaster provides only negligible benefits as to efficiency, but scores serious bonus points for oozing power.
I wonder…is it from a root of pride?
What about our SUV? Did we really need leather seats? Are they actually more functional than cloth seats, or are they a subconscious attempt at having a status symbol? I find myself scrunching down at stoplights when someone in the next car looks over at us. Guilty conscience, no doubt.
I have also noticed this with our road bicycles. We have several, and they are all expensive. We do use them all the time, putting several thousand miles a year on them, and hey, one needs to stay in shape, doesn't one? Not only that, one should buy quality products that won't break down all the time, and end up costing more, right? Sounds good to me.
Still though, a Pee-Wee-Herman-cheapo-nerd-bike will get me from point A to point B just fine. Admittedly with just a bit more laughter and pointing along the way, but who can't use a little more humility? 
I do give regularly to help support various worthy causes in the Lord's work, so it's not that He is getting shortchanged. But I also know how fickle one's desires can be, and how easy it is to justify our actions with reason and logic, without taking the time to look at things with an honest and open heart.
An example of this is when Sennacherib came up against Jerusalem to destroy it in 2 Kings 18 — he says "the LORD" told him to do it. It seems possible he really did believe God was helping him do that, and yet, he was dead wrong.
And I'm sure these preachers with their personal Lear jets, $1000 suits, limousines, pillared mansions, and 24k gold doorknobs attribute it all to "the hand of God." Amen.
I guess what I am getting at is this: can this stuff truly be considered the Lord's "blessing" in one's life, or is it simply the fruit of our catering to the flesh?
I don't know. Maybe it's a natural by-product of the living-in-California-thing.
Anyone else feel this way?
-joebibstudent
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October 17th, 2007 at 7:09 am
joebib,
I always think of the rich young ruler. I guess if you were to ask one of these mega-pastor-millionares to lay it all down and give it away; his response would tell you the answer to your question. Because if it truly is a blessing from God, if he gave it all away, wouldn’t God then bless him abundantly again?
October 17th, 2007 at 8:06 am
1 Samuel 2:7
The LORD makes poor and makes rich;He brings low and lifts up.
Psalm 62:10
“….If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them.
Ecclesiastes 5:13
There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: Riches kept for their owner to his hurt.
Jeremiah 9:23
Thus says the LORD: “ Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
Matthew 13:22
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
1 Timothy 6:17-18
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
An old circuit riding preacher in the late 1800’s was riding his horse through the trails of the Appalation Mountains when he came across a destitute family carrying a handful of filthy children and all their earthly possessions on a rickety old wagon. In the middle of the road, their old horse had just collapsed, never to rise again. The preacher dismounted, assured them that God would take care of their needs, and told them that he would pray about it right there. As he kneeled to pray, his eyes lingered on his own horse, Gideon, who had been his faithful partner for years as he ministered in the mountains. He sighed, and wondered aloud if God would really desire such a sacrifice…
“Prayer can be an excuse”, He said, as he harnessed Gideon and led him to the front of the wagon, “There’s no need to pray when the help has already been provided”. He sadly watched his mount plod away as he hefted up his saddlebags and began walking to the nearest town….
I remember many years ago making a frivolous purchase that I didn’t really need, and wouldn’t even use, it was just a lust of the eye…after getting the item home, I started to feel uncomfortable about having it–guilty, even…it finally bothered me to the point that I packed it up and gave it away as a Christmas gift. The recipient was thrilled, and so was I by that point…it had become a burden to me and I couldn’t wait to get wipe my hands of it.
The funny thing is, after several years went by, I was in the position to actually use that item, and went back and bought the exact same thing, only this time it was to be used for a special occasion and many more times. I don’t look at it the same way as I did, it’s useful, not a ‘coveted treasure’, and now it is not a burden to own….
I don’t read in God’s Word that it is a bad thing to be rich, (unless is is gotten in an corrupt manner) but it’s our attitude about our possessions that should be our concern…Do we think that we are somehow ‘better’ than others because we have been ‘trusted’ with riches, while others have a hard time of it…? Do we think that we are entitled to preferential treatment because of our financial status? Do we fully understand that riches, like everything else in life, are all going to burn someday? Do we hold our possessions lightly, always ready to give if we are called to do so? Do we view our role over our possessions as one of a steward, or an owner?
These questions have clarified my view of ‘things’ many times….:o)
October 17th, 2007 at 8:10 am
At your age, Joe, you deserve to have some nice things. It would be truly sad if the only plush digs you ever experienced, was your casket.
As for the new truck with loud pipes, I can relate. I just sold my old ‘77 F150 4×4 with a 400ci engine and dual exhaust (8mpg - a good farm truck). The way it intimidated small cars and slow drivers was exhilarating. Oh, not because it was loud or fast or 6′ off the ground, rather, when I come barreling up on someone who was going to slow or was parked at a light, they were certain to be praying “O My Dear God - please help that thing to stop in time!”
BTW, if that guy glaring at you in your big, fancy new truck with leather seats (heated, no doubt), happens to be driving a turd brown ‘85 Camry with a gawd-awful loud exhaust, say “Hi Sam” - K?
October 17th, 2007 at 9:30 am
Sorry, I can’t relate to this one…I’m dead broke. However, it makes for interesting reading. I consider my blessings to be in my children, not my finances, though. When the Lord said to store up your treasures in Heaven, I know He meant my children. That is where I invest my time and money.
October 17th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Don’t you think it is all relative? Compared to a skid row bum you are living high on the hog!
But compared to Bill Gates, you ARE the skid row bum! Get over the guilt complex Joe; just because you have enough to make your life a little more enjoyable you don’t have to apologize.
Enjoy Life!
October 18th, 2007 at 3:53 am
I'd love to see one of those rich senior popes publicly challenged to do just that. Of course, they never would. Ever see the movie "The Shoes Of The Fisherman?"
HOTH — (you do realize this is the name of a verrry cold planet on Star Wars?)
Thanks for the insights. I agree with you that our attitude toward possessions — and everything else for that matter, I reckon — is the important thing.
Sam — Please don't bring up age. I can't even bring myself to say out loud how old I am. I'm fif…fif…fi…(choking sound)…I'm a tad over forty-nine.
So, you're telling me you put a Flowmaster on a '85 Camry, turdish brown? Oh wait…
BTB — I'm sorry you're dead broke. I can relate, been there.
Please forgive the personal aside…
In Portland, everyone called the apartments I lived in "the ghetto." Was just me and my mom…was all we could afford. When I used to walk home after high school, as soon as I turned the corner, I would sprint to my building just so the other students walking home behind me wouldn't see where I lived. My mom always wanted to know why I was out of breath
I used to be a busboy at this restaurant called Harvest House on bout 60th & Halsey near Normandale Park — I think it's called Jose's now — anyway, when the cooks would drive me home at night after work, I had them take me to a house where I said I lived. Would pretend to be digging for my keys till they drove off. Then slink away to the ghetto. Seems like I was always broke back then, and I was so ashamed about it.
When I got married, my financial situation didn't change much. We always had to watch our pennies. Was pretty much that way till just the past few years. But through it all, the Lord was always there with me and my family. He was faithful, and we never went without (Psalms 37:25).
You are so right to be investing in your kids. Nothing can take the place of raising them properly, and teaching them to focus on the Lord rather than possessions, or anything else. I've read some of the stuff you've shared on this blog about your past. I just want to reinforce that God has something better for you — and I'm not talking finances — than what you've had. I'll be praying for you, sis.
Thanks, Just Curious.
-joe
October 18th, 2007 at 7:13 am
I always look at it like this;
I want to bless my own children, If I could give them the moon I would. At times raising them as a single mother I gave up meals so they could eat. Went without new shoes so I could give them the best I could afford.
They probably felt ashamed at times to, But they have grown up to be well adjusted, loving, successful, parents them,selves.
What I am trying to say is, our heavenly father loves us and owns it all!
He loves to bless us. He loves for us to be thankful and know who we are and not be ashamed. I would not give my children anything that would fill them with to much pride, or could harm our relationship.
I think he can be a better parent than any of us.
Enjoy your blessings in what ever form they come in.
Don’t be afraid to excpect great things from a great God who loves you.
The more he gives me the more I can bless others.
Money and material things are not important. He looks at our hearts, Thats where your blessings begin. If we can be happy with the smallest he can bless us with the biggest.
Betty
October 18th, 2007 at 7:56 am
‘What about our SUV? Did we really need leather seats? Are they actually more functional than cloth seats, or are they a subconscious attempt at having a status symbol?”
I’m sorry but I need my leather seats lol. HATE COTTON DRIVES ME NUTSO!! My mom always had cars with leather seats and turned up her nose towards cotton lol She is saved and I so am I but we aren’t perfect and we don’t pretend
to be like some christians. We also know when too much is too much. I think pray and scripture searching helps some people to know when too much is too much., SOME. lol. Sadly, some people don’t care or worse, don’t even stop to think about things like this.
October 18th, 2007 at 8:40 am
Thanks joebib, your encouragement provided hope. I found this along time ago and I’d like to share it with you:
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On the return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”
“It was great, Dad.”
“Did you see! how poor people live?” the father asked.
“Oh yeah,” said the son.
“So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father.
The son answered: “I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We! have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”
The boy’s father was speechless. Then his son added, “Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are.”
Isn’t perspective a wonderful thing? Makes me wonder what would happen if Il gave thanks for everything I have, instead of worrying about what I don’t have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends and family!
October 20th, 2007 at 4:01 am
Good story, BTB.
-joe
October 20th, 2007 at 10:38 am
I don’t think being rich is “wrong” at all. I think it’s possible for God to bless whomever he desires with wealth. I also think God gives some people wealth and power as a test of their faith. He gives them wealth/power and then asks them to give it away. I can’t think of a more difficult test to prove my absolute trust in God then that.
I also believe that anyone who publicly claims a position as “pastor” over a church should not have excess money or power. If you have dedicated your life to serving others in such a capacity, then you must lead by example… and that includes (in my opinion) living a meager live that is always 100% dependent on God. If he “gives” you lots of money because your sheep
pay you welltithe, then you should give it back. Simple as that.Any “pastor” who drives around in an expensive new car, lives in an expensive upper-class neighborhood, and mingles only with the rich is nothing more then a snake. Where is the leadership example when you don’t have to really trust God for anything? These are pastors who probably started out with righteous intentions, and have now lost their way. The only thing they “lead” now are fools who usually want nothing more then to be just like their “pastor”.