I am nearing graduation from Arkansas Tech University with a degree in Information Technology. I have been blessed to already have a job as a Systems Analyst/Programmer.

I am in the process of gathering the things I need for an apartment. However, I am wondering what is the proper balance between buying things and being attached to the things of the world. For instance, I have a used love seat (that I got for free from a neighbor); however, we are looking for a new one that is a solid color. Should I feel bad about owning things like this? Should I try and survive with as few possessions as possible?

Sometimes I just feel suffocated by the affluence and ease of American life... I almost feel guilty about it.

Sometimes I think to myself "could I part with all these things if necessary?"... "am I ready for persecution if it comes?"...

I'm confused. Help?

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Taylor Otwell
Considering Membership -- Oak Cliff Baptist Church
Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA

Did we ever hear any cry out on their deathbed that they have been too holy, that they have prayed too much, or walked with God too much? – Thomas Watson, The Godly Man’s Picture

Don't despise creation. The problem with "getting by with as few things as possible," while noble in its intent, is viciously subjective and ends up in the worst sort of legalism (see Ron Sider for example).

If you want to survive with as few things as possible, find an open spot on the street, throw a blanket between a few light poles, and call that home. While uncomfortable, it is doubtful you would die. Therefore you would survive with as few things as possible.

But I understand the intent of your post. You are likely sickened (as am I) with American materialism. But this doesn't mean we should despise material blessings. Legislating what one should or should not do in such a sitation is almost necessarily legalistic. I don't mean this as a cop-out post, but it is almost up to you. The Bible doesn't legislate on this matter; therefore, Christian liberty.

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J. B. Atken
John Knox PCA
Layman, M.A. student at Louisiana College

Hi Taylor,
This is an area that has many side roads to it. You can but new, you can go to yard sales. You can do both .Look in scripture for some fences to gather your thoughts,

23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Keep your heart motive right and it will fall into place.
Sometimes someone goes to but a cheap pair of shoes, but they do not last as long and you wind up buying twice as many.
THe same holds true in many other areas. [cars, clothes, etc.]
I do not by a store brand mayonaise, if Helmans is available. Or Welch's grape jam/ these are untouchable items

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Anthony D'Arienzo
Sunday School Teacher
Hope Reformed Baptist Church:
Medford, N.Y.

I struggled much over these issues and it took 3 years before I even bought a bed (boy was my wife happy). Here is a good compromise that I made:

When I entered the army I spent all my base pay (except my gifts to the church) without worries. I gave 10% to church and 5% to savings and did not worry about the rest. Besides this, we spent our money freely.

In the army, promotion and pay grade increases happen regularly. But when I exited the military as a captain, we had maintained a 2nd Lt's pay. We had learned to survive on our initial entry pay and had maintained that level of life throughout my 5 year military term.

You are much in the same boat at this entry level stage in your life. In this way you can practice stewardship and not bug yourself over false reasons to feel builty (there are plenty of legit reasons to feel guilty without making up more)....

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Pergamum


"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"
-- David Livingstone

Since the Lord has blessed many of his people with great riches, there is no need to feel guilty about possessions, but if the Lord takes them away you must respond like Job.

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Daniel Ritchie
Saintfield, Northern Ireland - Queen's University, Belfast:History/Politics
Member of Dromara Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland (Covenanter)

Well said. You could go even further in your dislike of materialism and become like the 14th century Franciscan extremists (Spiritualists), who owned nothing and murdered the wealthy, materialistic bishops and cardinals...

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Mason
Member, Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA)
New York, NY

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." - Isaiah 1:18

Taylor,

A good book on this topic that might be of some help to you is Don't Waste Your Life by Piper.

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Ryan Barnhart - Pastor of OGBC
Husband to a beautiful wife, Father to two beautiful girls
"But by the grace of God I am what I am." I Corinthians 15:10

"I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by Cannibals or by worms. And in the Great Day my Resurrection body will rise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer." - John Paton

Congratulations on both counts.
Depends on the color. What color is the new love seat? (jk)

Is the old love seat still in good shape? I feel bad when I own something that's still in good shape, and just toss it to buy a new, better looking one. I've lately tried to get into the habit, when/if I buy something new and the old thing is still in good shape, to bring it down to the local salvation army place so somebody less fortunate can have access to it.

I like Paul's balance:

Phi 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Phi 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Phi 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Jesus can teach us to be content, regardless of our possessions or lack thereof.

Pro 30:7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
Pro 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
Pro 30:9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

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Bob Howes
Framingham, MA

A reoccurring thought:

Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Although you don't HAVE to live on as few things as possible, you may CHOOSE to, depending on your "bigger picture" goals. If you'll be saving for a house down the road, for example, when you purchase new things when the old is fine, its a good idea to ask yourself if you really need the new thing now. Not because its wrong to get the things, but because it slows you down reaching other goals.