Necessity Verses Luxury

My pastor gave a fantastic sermon this past Sunday about the “Fear of Poverty”. Very interesting. Part of his sermon was about the things we “need” verses the things that are luxuries. Interesting thing to ponder as I got ready this morning... looking at the “luxuries” I use every day thinking they are necessities. Such as: make-up, deodorant, perfume, mirrors, curling iron, hair spray, indoor plumbing, dog treats, my dog, a lunch bag, retractable dog leash, screen door, TV, radio, alarm clock, humidifier, night stand lamp, curtains, blinds, carpet, washer and dryer in my home, electricity, refrigerator, microwave, hot water heater, DVD player, VCR, converter box for the TV, couch, chairs, table... I could go on and on. Because, if I really think about it, I only need what God says I need: protection from the elements and food. That’s it. We live life thinking and desiring things we don’t even need.

So... what am I going to change? Do I have things because I am greedy and selfish or are they things I can consider blessings? I think it is probably both. Because, do I really need four DVD players? Yep... four, for one person, that is a bit excessive right? Grant it, I have one for each TV (ouch, I have 2 TV’s) and then my PS2 can be a DVD player, then I have a portable DVD player. But does that justify my excess? Sure, I count them as blessings, but can they also be a curse?

I don’t think I have to live a life void of any luxuries, but I do wonder what I could give up in order to prioritize my life for Christ. Do I own my possessions, or do they own me?

Thought from a devotional tool I use (www.christnotes.org): Eliminate everything unnecessary in your life in order to put first things first.

Verses to ponder:

19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Luke 18:25