Is it OK to have nice things? Or is it greedy?

[Cris413]

LOL, ah man that's funny. Yeah I know what you mean by having the "theme" going. My house hadn't been touched since the 70's and once I started updating and changing a few door handles here and there the whole lot had to go including the light fittings because my 70's "theme" was gone and was looking a bit mish mash.

Think Brady Bunch meets Shabby sorta kinda Retro Chic meets 2009 minus a dishwasher.

You crack me up sister! We don't have mish-mash...oh nooo...we simply have "eclectic" taste...LOL

 

[AnneSally]

You crack me up sister! We don't have mish-mash...oh nooo...we simply have "eclectic" taste...LOL

Exactly, and "eclectic" can be very stylish of course.

LOL!

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

LOL, ah man that's funny. Yeah I know what you mean by having the "theme" going. My house hadn't been touched since the 70's and once I started updating and changing a few door handles here and there the whole lot had to go including the light fittings because my 70's "theme" was gone and was looking a bit mish mash.

Think Brady Bunch meets Shabby sorta kinda Retro Chic meets 2009 minus a dishwasher.

I am the mother of three daughters, and I'm married to a man whose name happens to be Mike Brady. What would *we* know about the Brady Bunch?

I like some 70's trends, the reds and rusts, the brick interior walls, and even (gasp!) that wood paneling everybody loves to diss. 'Course, that depends on the quality of the paneling and how well it's done. A sloppy job doesn't look good, no matter what the theme.

I don't at all like those stainless steel appliances that are supposed to be all the rage nowadays. I don't even know why it's considered "high end" while white appliances are "out." Says who? I prefer white appliances, and that's exactly what we got when we replaced the old ones. Is that more 1950's than 1970's? Mike joked that maybe we should have gotten avocado green appliances with an orange formica countertop....

But if possible, I *would* like to do flagstone on the front of the house.

 

[AnneSally]

I am the mother of three daughters, and I'm married to a man whose name happens to be Mike Brady. What would *we* know about the Brady Bunch?

No-way!!!!!! LOL! That is totally "rad" <----- haha.

Ok I'll stop now with my homage to all things 70's.

 

[AnneSally]

I am the mother of three daughters, and I'm married to a man whose name happens to be Mike Brady. What would *we* know about the Brady Bunch?

I like some 70's trends, the reds and rusts, the brick interior walls, and even (gasp!) that wood paneling everybody loves to diss. 'Course, that depends on the quality of the paneling and how well it's done. A sloppy job doesn't look good, no matter what the theme.

I don't at all like those stainless steel appliances that are supposed to be all the rage nowadays. I don't even know why it's considered "high end" while white appliances are "out." Says who? I prefer white appliances, and that's exactly what we got when we replaced the old ones. Is that more 1950's than 1970's? Mike joked that maybe we should have gotten avocado green appliances with an orange formica countertop....

But if possible, I *would* like to do flagstone on the front of the house.

Lol. I like white appliances too. And don't gasp, but I like some 70's fashions, those platforms and flares, flicked hair and lip gloss and roller skates was cool. And don't laugh, but I think those Starksky and Hutch turtle necks and cable knit cardies with knit belts are freaking fantastic!

These guys look cool.

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

The picture didn't come through....

I don't like turtlenecks because they make me feel like I'm choking. But I do like most other 70's fashions, and would wear those big-buckled knit belts if they looked good on me. But they don't, since my abdomen is the biggest part of me.

I like flare-leg pants. I like jumpers. I like plaid. I like peasant skirts. I like embellished jeans. I like long, flowing straight hair. I *love* platform shoes. I don't walk well enough to wear them, but I do like looking at them.

And, I really like those loud suits Gene Rayburn used to wear on Match Game.

 

[AnneSally]

The picture didn't come through....

I don't like turtlenecks because they make me feel like I'm choking. But I do like most other 70's fashions, and would wear those big-buckled knit belts if they looked good on me. But they don't, since my abdomen is the biggest part of me.

I like flare-leg pants. I like jumpers. I like plaid. I like peasant skirts. I like embellished jeans. I like long, flowing straight hair. I *love* platform shoes. I don't walk well enough to wear them, but I do like looking at them.

And, I really like those loud suits Gene Rayburn used to wear on Match Game.

Dang sister! You and I needs to be twins of all thangs 70's. Matching platforms and peasant skirts, lol.

tee hee

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

Found the Starsky and Hutch pic. But I can't get it to post either. Must have some kind of protection on it. Here's a similar one from another source.

Me, I was overly sheltered and held to ridiculous rules. I didn't get to watch Starsky and Hutch, or Police Woman, or anything that came on later than 8:00. Even as a teenager, I was sent to bed early, whether it was a school night or not, even in summer when it wasn't even dark yet. :rolls eyes:

Anyway, from what I *could* watch, I got into the likes of John Travolta, Scott Baio, and Leif Garrett.

 

[AnneSally]

LOL! Those are the coolest pics LBF! Yeah, Travolta was a babe. And yeah, you just found the S&H pic I tried to post.

I really like that knitted cardie, I think it's stylie. haha.

 

[AnneSally]

Ultimately, however, I believe that our desire as Christians should be to want "nice things" less and to want the fruit of the Spirit more.

Just my $.02. Thanks.

That's beautiful Dies, I agree with you.

 

[Nadiine]

yes we are to want less - be content in all we have..
which is why I take issue w/ all these Prosperity doctrines
floating around today.

Biblically, riches is mentioned very negatively as a harmful thing.
So... even tho God blesses, I personally believe that He cannot
bless the majority of us with it becuz it will harm us (cause us
to change in negative ways).

To him who has much....... much is required.

In a way I think a shrinking economy is helpful to the Church
of God - to get our minds and hearts back to focusing on
the Lord for our needs.
I've heard some families write in that their financial crisis woke
them up to their pursuit of materialism and they're greatful
for the wake up call.
Praise God

 

[AnneSally]

yes we are to want less - be content in all we have..
which is why I take issue w/ all these Prosperity doctrines
floating around today.

Biblically, riches is mentioned very negatively as a harmful thing.
So... even tho God blesses, I personally believe that He cannot
bless the majority of us with it becuz it will harm us (cause us
to change in negative ways).

To him who has much....... much is required.

In a way I think a shrinking economy is helpful to the Church
of God - to get our minds and hearts back to focusing on
the Lord for our needs.
I've heard some families write in that their financial crisis woke
them up to their pursuit of materialism and they're greatful
for the wake up call.
Praise God

Yes, great post sis! have you ever watched that Creflo Dollar guy? Gee, he makes me want to vomit because he's so freaking obssessed with money and every sermon seems to be centred around it, getting it, and wanting more of it. Puke.

I mean, come on! Creflo Dollar? Is that a joke or what?

I once watched a sermon by Derek Prince on what true biblical prosperity really means, and he was very scathing about this propensity for some of these modern flashy ministers who preach about money as prosperity. Yikes, it was pretty sobering but I agreed with him, there is a danger when we desire money over God's provision which is to equip us to futher His kingdom, not line our own pockets....

 

[Nadiine]

Yes, great post sis! have you ever watched that Creflo Dollar guy? Gee, he makes me want to vomit because he's so freaking obssessed with money and every sermon seems to be centred around it, getting it, and wanting more of it. Puke.

I mean, come on! Creflo Dollar? Is that a joke or what?

I once watched a sermon by Derek Prince on what true biblical prosperity really means, and he was very scathing about this propensity for some of these modern flashy ministers who preach about money as prosperity. Yikes, it was pretty sobering but I agreed with him, there is a danger when we desire money over God's provision which is to equip us to futher His kingdom, not line our own pockets....

I LUB Derek Prince (they play him on GodTv channel).
He also wrote a spiritual warfare book I have - what a Godly man
of wisdom - we're running out of great leaders like that in the
church today imho.
(I actually like that Joseph Prince guy too - which shocks me lol -
it's hard to get a former Baptist to step outside the circle) hehe

But anyways, ya, I was doing a word search on something and
noticed how negatively "riches" were spoken of. So I can see
why the majority aren't given that becuz of the snares it holds
(from what I gather of it) ---

Alot of the prosperity I see in God's arsenal is more in the way of
rebuking the devourer... keeping the "hole from the purse" so
you don't leak out what you have.
Or health, longevity, blessed family, etc.

I haven't watched Creflo in a long long time (I usually watch those
types of televangelists more to see what they're promoting next
or to catch false teaching than to learn).
I remember seeing one Bishop that I did watch often who was a little
chubby & used to wear a regular suit or... I dunno, I think I remember him wearing like a robe thingy like D.James Kennedy would wear? a uniform thingy...

But I noticed that as time went on, he had lost some weight &
had been working out at the gym alot becuz his bicepts had gotten HUGE.
Well, off came the suit coats/robe & on came the tight black
short sleeve muscle shirts instead.
When I saw that, I thought :rut roh:
Some may call that judgmental - it's just something I'd more call a
'check in my spirit'.
I can't find his name... he was on TBN.

Outside of D James Kennedy who had a passion for American
history & that was a large part of his ministry in later years,
I tend to stay away from teachers who hold to 1 theme and
seem to obsess on it.
Joel Osteen is 1, and the Prosperity folks... also that Larry & Tiz
Huch guy. He was pretty good in the beginning - & then........
oh boy.
Watch him w/ Paul White - deny Jesus is the only Begotten Son

A Little Leaven: Paula White's Outrageous Heresies!

(I LUV carol Y's comment below the vid. LOL . )

 

[rmw8855]

Not to take the thread off topic but his given name is actually Creflo Dollar (he is actually a junior). He jokes about it frequently.

Most of the prosperity teachers actually teach that prosperity is much more than money and in fact money is the smallest portion of prosperity. Money solves nothing if you are sick, depressed, etc. and is nothing more than a tool in order to help others. Without a solid relationship with God money can be destructive because it makes it even easier to sin (drugs, etc.).

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

What I'm not clear on is where any lines should be drawn. By "not wanting nice things," are we advocating living like a pauper even if we have a high enough income not to? For that matter, what is the definition of a "nice" thing?

Understand that for me, my used Ford Taurus is a nice thing. I certainly don't want a Rolls Royce. As it is, I probably own the nicest, newest car in my entire family, and having grown up in squalid poverty, I'm not quite used to that.

I don't think of myself as materialistic. I live in a mobile home. But we have luxuries (and I do consider them luxuries) like internet access, cable, a microwave, that car, Mike's quad cab pickup, new clothes every once in a while, etc. We eat out a couple of times a month, and we're even able to get away for a long weekend on occasion. Talk about luxury--I also have a lift recliner, that helps me stand up.

Some people consider those things basic. But to me, it's living a dream. I have everything I want, have no desire for an "upgrade," and I'm grateful for what I have. The Lord has worked through Mike to bless me tremendously.

But some people, including some members of my own family, would consider me uppity and materialistic and money-hungry, simply because I do now have those things. I'd never been *allowed* to have them before, even if we could afford it.

 

[AnneSally]

I LUB Derek Prince (they play him on GodTv channel).
He also wrote a spiritual warfare book I have - what a Godly man
of wisdom - we're running out of great leaders like that in the
church today imho.

Oh my goodness, you can say that again. I hadn't even realised that Derek had passed and was all shocked and stressed out because they just play his programmes on our Christian channel and I just thought he was out there and then found out he's gone!

But not only that, the other two who I love and adore are David Pawson and Charles Stanley and they're knocking on now too and when I think of them going I feel all lonely and wonder who will be left here for us, because I don't feel the same about anyone else like I do about Prince, Pawson, and Stanley.......I feel that if I were to meet Stanley or Pawson, I would want to hug them and never let go....

(I actually like that Joseph Prince guy too - which shocks me lol -
it's hard to get a former Baptist to step outside the circle) hehe

I don't mind him either...I don't watch him all the time but he seems alright sometimes....

Watch him w/ Paul White - deny Jesus is the only Begotten Son

A Little Leaven: Paula White's Outrageous Heresies!

(I LUV carol Y's comment below the vid. LOL . )

Dang, the vid isn't working sis, how can I get to see it? I wanna watch it now!

 

[Cris413]

I watched Joseph Prince for awhile...I thought he was an awesome teacher of grace...until he started teaching that you too can hit the lottery and have new cars given to you if you believe and stand firm in the power of God's grace...

Yep...he was who I was speaking about in the other thread...

I had him set up to record every week...and watched and I was good...up to the lottery winning guy and the guy who was gifted a car....all because of their faith they would receive these things....

Now...I'm not saying God can't make these things happen according to His perfect will and purpose...I know first hand He can and does...many of my needs have been met by people just showing up at the right time and giving me just what I needed...

But...I just can't see my way clear to consider it's a good thing....pastors teaching that monetary gain is the motivation to come to Christ or serve the Lord...because we WILL RECEIVE something so temporal like money, cars and nice houses and such.

IMHO....we have already ready received the greatest gift of all....salvation and eternal life through Christ Jesus....

...anything we do from our belief and in service to Him...should be out of gratitude for what we've already received and that is more precious than anything this world has to offer...not for personal gain of earthly treasures.

Mat 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Mat 16:25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Mat 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

When I was first introduced to this doctrine...I considered perhaps I was not spiritual enough to understanding prosperity, health and healing and everything that comes with this doctrine...it really made me feel like I wasn't walking right with the Lord...like we didn't have financial security because I didn't believe or have enough faith...things went wrong because I didn't have enough faith...


...that I was sick because I didn't have enough faith to command healing...I was so confused and befuddled.


God is soooo good though...He straightened me right out. He is not a god of confusion and discord....He is the God of truth, and peace and comfort...and He has got it all under control....He gave me so much encouragement...it's not about how much faith I personally have...but it's ALL ABOUT WHO AND HOW FAITHFUL HE IS!




I truly believe there are those who do understand what this doctrine of faith is really about...aside from those who preach/teach the doctrine of faith for personal gain and a vast audience.

I have seen the wonderful fruit of those who sincerely walk in that awesome faith that keeps them strong in Christ and those who do wonderful things with all God has blessed them with...

...but sadly....I think there are many who preach and adhere to this doctrine for all the wrong reasons...which really sheds a poor light on those who don't and I think that's a shame.

 

[JimfromOhio]

I was an Anabaptist for many years and I still have this in me. I believe the word is "content" that I am looking for. Discontent comes when we want to control everything. . Jesus said, “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34). Lamentations 3:23 tells us His mercies “are new every morning.” “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever” (Heb. 13:8). That means He will be doing the same thing tomorrow that He was doing yesterday.

Throughout the Old Testament, there were lists of people who were wealthy and in fact the Book of Proverbs wrote who we use our wealth. We are to work hard for our wealth and live in a simple life. Money is used to meet our daily needs such as food, utility bills and other expenses. God would meet all of our needs (Matthew 6), however God will not meet our selfish desires. There is nothing wrong with having a desire for something as long as our motives are correct. It is important that we look from God's perspective in our stewardship so that we are not pursuing desires against God's will and purpose. Because if we are pursuing our selfish desires rather than God's will and purpose, then our motives are wrong. Christians' view of money and material possessions is an effective barometer of our spirituality. Christians have a dual citizenship however earth is a sinful place while Heaven is beautiful and sinless that we are to remember that we are citizens of heaven even though we live in a foreign world. We CAN'T live here on earth as we will in Heaven. we are in Christ His position is our position, His privilege is our privilege, His possessions are our possessions, and His practice our practice. We are significant not because of who we are, but because of who we are in Christ. As Paul said, "By the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10).

I am a thrift shopper but I also shop for the best for the family. Nothing wrong with prosperity but the desires and the dreams of prosperity ties to idolatry. When we accumulate our possessions for our own selfish sake--those possessions have become idols. Idols when a Christian have a selfish heart of greed is your master. Get to know two things about a person who claimed to be a Christian- How he/her earns his/her money and how he/she spends it- and you have the clue to his/her character, for you have a search light that shows up the inmost recesses of his/her soul. You know all you need to know about his/her standards, his/her motives, his/her driving desires, and his/her real religion.

There is nothing wrong with having a desire to prosper as long as our motives are correct. Christians' view of money and material possessions is an effective barometer of our spirituality. I come from a very wealthy family. I grew up in a big house, with a swimming pool, tennis court, beach down the street and more. Now, I am on my own, I am not as wealthy as my family but I live comfortably. God provides according to His will regardless what positions we are in. God knows beforehand what we will need and He will provide beforehand according to His will. There's a right time and way for everything. James reminded us in Chapter 2 how we are not to "compare" others of "what" they have but rather of "who" they are inside. As Jesus rebuked to a group in Matthew 23:25 ".........You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence."

What brought wealth? There are many sources of gaining wealth. There are many who are more highly educated but not wealthy because they are using their talents for different purposes than gaining materalistic purposes. Many have great jobs, great education, even great stewardship and hard work. The bottom line in putting all of them together is this: Spiritual stewardship is looking at my financial situation and to look at my life spiritually in from God's perspectives rather than from flesh perspectives.Are we really hungry and thirsty for Him or we have this mere superficial desire to be filled by the world's pleasures? Are we "envying" through superficial searching God for fulfillment of our fleshy desires rather than deeper searching for God from the heart as "after God's own heart"?

We have to remember, Jesus is OUR SHEPHERD that He will supply all our needs (Phil. 4:19) and that He knows everything about our lives (Ps. 139:3), cares about us (1 Pet. 5:7), has the power for every difficulty (Ps. 62:11), is perfecting us to be like Christ (Phil. 1:6), and that nothing escapes Him (Ps. 147:5), that will lead us to be stable, not anxious living and not coveting anything.

 

[edie19]

In answer to the question - thread title

yes, it's ok

my parents grew up in the great depression - they knew frugality well

as adults they worked hard, had some tight times and eventually got to a point where they had some discretionary spending money

so, yes - they got some nice things for themselves, for their children, parents and siblings also

more importantly - as their income increased, so did their charitable giving

another thought comes to mind - in many circumstances it's better to spend a little extra for a special item, often times higher price does mean higher quality. If I buy a pair of cheap shoes (for example) but they wear out after just a couple of months and I have to replace them - is that wiser spending than if I had purchased a more expensive pair of shoes that last for a couple of years

the important aspect - don't make an idol out of "things"

 

[Nadiine]

To Cris about Joseph Prince -
REALLY?? Now that's disheartening. He sounded like he
had it together very well.
After that, it just puts that red flag in my heart -
well we should never let our guard down with any teachings
we take in, even from those we trust.

So thanks for sharing that info here.