I was asked this question by a dear brother the other day: How do I bring glory to God when I buy things for myself that are more luxuries than necessities?
Here’s my response…what are your thoughts?
Brother, I don’t want you to think I have been avoiding answering your question. It is such a profound one that I wanted to take a couple of days to pray, think and search scripture to formulate my response. After all of that I know my response will be inadequate.
One thing that I know is never inadequate is the power of God’s word to pierce the heart and by the working of the Holy Spirit to bring us to right understanding. So consider these parts of scripture as they may relate to your question:
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:6-11
Here’s my point, I do not see anywhere in scripture where obtaining luxuries for the sake of obtaining them ever glorifies God. It seems the opposite is true in the sense that the man obtaining those “things” is glorified in his own eyes. Does that make sense?
What we have to be careful of as “American Christians” is that we do not confuse our need to have certain things with our ability to obtain other things. To use your example, we need to wear clothes. Purchasing a pair of jeans can be an opportunity to glorify God in that we can purchase an adequate pair of jeans that may not be “in fashion” knowing that the money we saved in doing so can be used to help someone in need, support the mission of the Church, etc.
I am sure my response has left you wondering why you asked me and questioning my ability to answer a question at all. I am sorry for that. One thing I am thankful for and I praise God for is your desire to think through your faith, your relationship with the Lord, and your love for Him!
In all things, Soli Deo Gloria!
