Buying a corvette is wrong?

[Stephen777]

This is something I have been looking into and its not just the corvette, thats just an example. And for that example the corvette is a race car and has no real reason to be purchased except for pride and entitlement. Reasons I come to this.
Jesus speaks highly about the ways into heaven is through humility, meekness etc.
Phil 2:3 Tells us to put others as more important then ourselves and not from selfishness.
1Pet 5:5 Clothe ourselves with humility towards one another
Matt 18:4 Be humble as a child
Of course there is a lot more. Humility is a heart attitude with meekness, submissive to Christ and not the world. True humility seeks to bring glory and honor to God and looks out for the interest of others. Meekness would to be submissive to others and their needs.
So I feel when a person goes to buy a truck for example, should buy a used truck that isnt loaded with features, not to think we deserve brand new even if we can afford it. If you can afford a 60k truck but go with a preowned 45kmile truck that is a basic model and be content with less is humility. That extra money you have can easily go to a family in need, specially now that so many people are struggling.
When I see a 500k dollar motorhome, I dont see some glorious and nice thing. I see a temporary man made item that will not last because nothing we do on this earth or create will last forever. In time that treasure will rust. I see something that could pull my mother and father, brother and myself out of debt completely, relieving us from the slave position that stresses and does nothing but draw negativity.
What we do is, we take from God and his creation, we form it and mold it then call it ours. When really everything is His. The money we make is because of the health and energy he has given us. He puts us in positions to be blessed financially to bless those who are struggling.
I think we have let money creating this ability to justify our purchases.
There is more to this but this is the start and I am just wanting to see what people think and also to consider do we deny self or reward self because we deserve a good life with the things of this world we want.

 

[timewerx]

If everyone did not practice restraint in buying or doing everything they can afford, the increased demand in everything will drive prices of everything higher, including basic necessities.

That and the increased pollution it creates will hurt the weakest and most vulnerable people on the planet, especially, the poor.

Although increased spending can stimulate economy and increase jobs, increase salary, not everyone can take advantage of it, especially those with disabilities, the disadvantaged, and the poor, again, the weakest and most vulnerable in society. And things will even be worse for the poor from the higher prices of necessities due to increased spending of other people. That may not be true in USA due to the welfare system but in other parts of the world like in poor countries, the poor suffers.

Increased spending in USA affects prices all over the world because USA imports many products like oil, food, manufacturing of products it outsourced to poor countries, etc. A 20% jump in oil price due to increased demand (people buying more cars, traveling more for pleasure) may not affect your quality of life at all, you worry a bit maybe and nothing more. But a poor family in a poor country may have to skip a meal or stop sending their kid to school so the kid can help the family make a bit more money.

This is probably why Jesus said the "mite of the widow" did more for the Kingdom of God than the huge donations of the rich because the huge donations of the rich still cannot compensate for the damage caused by their indulgences.

Have you also read the verses 1 John 2:15-17?

I'm not telling you not to buy a corvette. I don't know everything about your life, what is going on with you. I don't know what I would have done myself either if finances are much much better.

 

[d taylor]

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​

The only way to heaven is by belief in Jesus. Buying or not buying something has noting to do with going to heaven.

 

[bèlla]

There's a lot of holes in your example. Since I'm in the luxury industry and familiar with cars and motorhomes I'll chime in. The first thing we must debunk is the sticker tag you cited. The average RV isn't $500k or anywhere near it. At that price point you're looking at the Newell brand. Unity makes wonderful options and they're $200k for the top model. That's a far cry from a half a million and beyond the mark most people spend when extras are factored in.

As for luxury cars, just because you have the means doesn't mean they'll sell it and what you cited isn't in that sphere. No one who owns a motorhome worth $500K is driving a Corvette. They're different markets. The 2025 model ranges from $70 -$90K. That isn't luxury for that demographic. It's average.

The person with an RV at that price point is driving a car worth 6 figures. He's getting more use from the latter and the operation costs for the RV are greater and he's not using it all the time. So he recoups his investment by leasing and partners with a company that screens clientele for charters and he has first refusal. It's not sitting in a garage collecting dust.

Large ticket purchases are usually an expense and bought through a business or recouped through a lease. Your OP isn't indicative of either. Nor is it an accurate representation of business practices. The average RV loan rates are included for the reader's benefit. Imagine $500k on that

~bella

 

[timewerx]

​

The only way to heaven is by belief in Jesus. Buying or not buying something has noting to do with going to heaven.

Believing in Jesus also means:

John 14:12
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Because Jesus said many things about restraint, self-control, not indulging in worldly things and we're trying to be like Jesus but to act in contrary to His teachings would make us appear bad.

 

[Richard T]

It is secular econ that says it is all about insatiable wants and scarce resources. I beg to differ. We are to be content with what we have and God's resources are unlimited. What others do with their money is of no significance to me except i hope they give liberally so they can receive back even more. If they feel a corvette is good and they give generously to God, then I hope God adds a plane. My only exception is that I am skeptical of those who make millions off the gospel. I base that on I Samuel where Eli's sons overcharged for their priestly duties. Samuel's sons as judges too were corrupted that is part of why the Israelites wanted a king. Personally, I would choose a classic corvette. There is a chance it might actually be a great buy as they will go up in value.

 

[ozso]

If you live in my area and you would unselfishly allow me to barrow it anytime I want, then I would very strongly encourage you to get one.

Seriously though I knew a retired pastor in his 80s who owned a nice newish corvette. He had dedicated his whole life to serving God and I could tell he really loved Jesus. A very sweet down to earth approachable man. Not the least bit pretentious. I figure he just liked corvettes.

 

[timewerx]

What others do with their money is of no significance to me except

Except when you're a poor person living in a poor country.

A rich country's spike in travel means higher oil price around the world and for some people in poor countries, it would mean skipping a meal because the price of oil affects the price of everything else. Same thing for increase in food demand, it affects food and grocery price around the world because many food products are imported from all over the world. Law of supply and demand.

And for me, that means rationing my food because I'm one of those poor living in a poor country. I just have to keep computer and internet running because that's where my work is but I have to keep my work operational all the time and when things are really tight, I sometimes do skip meals just so I'll have enough left to pay the bills.

Whatever you do to the least of your brothers, you do unto the Lord. At least don't make life more difficult for them.

God's resources are unlimited

Christians only believe it when they're on the receiving end of God's provisions.

But when it comes to being good stewards of God's provision, then God's resources becomes extremely limited.

 

[dogs4thewin]

The LOVE of money is the root of all evil that is not about what someone does or does not own or do. You can be very rich and own nice things and still not LOVE and trust in your money. You can also be very poor and still love and trust the stuff you do have. It is just MUCH easier to trust in yourself and your stuff uf you are rich than if you are poor.

 

[ozso]

These days if I had a whole bunch of "disposable cash" the only luxury I'd indulge in is traveling.

I had a 1965 Mustang once. I came to dislike the attention it generated.

 

[Niels]

Whether it's right or wrong depends on the buyer's motivations and circumstances.

 

[NBB]

A lot of men like cars, it can be a passion, i like good machines too, so it's not like you are burning money in something worthless i say idk.

 

[bèlla]

What are you going to do when you see greater displays of wealth inequality in the coming years? That's the plan and it's already underway. Every group has their turn on the hot seat. Rich and poor will have their moment and the media will stoke your anger, frustrations and feelings of unfairness intentionally.

It's meant to foster animosity between different groups (as are racial slights) to incite division. The spiritual fallout is great and will inevitably lead to increased instances of jealousy and envy. If you've never studied either from a biblical perspective you should. It's like having an addiction that never lets you rest and afflicts you constantly.

The best response is prayer and putting the issue in the Lord's hands. You don't know their circumstances and if this is capturing your attention you may be inundated later on. There are more pressing issues requiring a solution than what someone drives. Don't overlook the things you can impact for those you can't.

~bella

 

[Armchair Apologist]

If you need something to carry around your growing family and can afford either a Corvette or an SUV adequately suited for the needs of your family but not both, it would be wrong to buy the Corvette.

If you have the financial means to do so, you can afford the expenses for insurance, fuel, and maintenance, and you are able to exercise restraint and drive responsibly, Go and buy a Corvette! Enjoy it! Have they come out with the new ZR1 yet?

Peter's response to Ananias and Saphira was that their wealth and possessions were theirs to do whatever they pleased. Therefore, do not sell the Corvette later on, tell everyone you sold it for $20,000 and gave the proceeds to the Church!

 

[timewerx]

What are you going to do when you see greater displays of wealth inequality in the coming years? That's the plan and it's already underway. Every group has their turn on the hot seat. Rich and poor will have their moment and the media will stoke your anger, frustrations and feelings of unfairness intentionally.

It's meant to foster animosity between different groups (as are racial slights) to incite division. The spiritual fallout is great and will inevitably lead to increased instances of jealousy and envy. If you've never studied either from a biblical perspective you should. It's like having an addiction that never lets you rest and afflicts you constantly.

The best response is prayer and putting the issue in the Lord's hands. You don't know their circumstances and if this is capturing your attention you may be inundated later on. There are more pressing issues requiring a solution than what someone drives. Don't overlook the things you can impact for those you can't.

~bella

As a poor person, I don't envy the rich for their freedom in having about everything their heart's desire. I no longer love many things in this world. I really don't care at all if everyone would be going around on helicopters while I still ride my bicycle. IF only the consequences of indulgences are not negative.

But the fact is that increased spending can cause huge problems for poor people living in poor countries due to the globalized economy and law of supply and demand increasing the cost of living all over the world.

Although increased spending by people can generate more jobs and more opportunities, higher income, more people getting richer. It isn't true everywhere. Income doesn't increase in proportion to "better" economy in some sectors and the weakest and most vulnerable in our society are unable to take advantage of the "improving" economy.

To the poor living poor countries, that could mean skipping meals or taking kids out of school so they can instead work to make ends meet.

And if increased spending is driving climate change, the worst affected by climate change are still the poor. Most especially the poor living in poor countries.

I don't even have to quote Bible verses. But acting in contrary to the teachings of Jesus have negative consequences that doesn't just affect the person but everybody else as well and the proof is undeniable.

But I'm not going to judge anyone indulging themselves in the things of this world. Perhaps, someone do need to have a 500 HP truck or they'll end up crazy and start shooting people at random. I don't mean it as sarcasm. If I have way more money, I may not be able to resist the temptations as well to indulge myself in spending even if I know it's wrong. No one's perfect.

 

[timewerx]

The LOVE of money is the root of all evil that is not about what someone does or does not own or do. You can be very rich and own nice things and still not LOVE and trust in your money. You can also be very poor and still love and trust the stuff you do have. It is just MUCH easier to trust in yourself and your stuff uf you are rich than if you are poor.

I still work for money and still dreaming of making more money.

But I'd rather not say that it makes sense to NOT love money and be rich with money at the same time.

It's like saying "I don't love stinky garbage" and yet, you accumulate stinky garbage, you even start renting storage spaces just to have more space for your stinky garbage. Really happy with your life with all that stinky garbage around you.

It doesn't make sense.

It would make more sense and more honest to admit we still trust in money. Because it wouldn't make a lot of sense to have a lot of something you have zero trust in and you don't love.

Ofc, it isn't right to love nor trust in money. But it would be honest to admit our problems. We don't begin to turn away from our sins and the Holy Spirit work with our transformation until we acknowledge a problem exist.

 

[bèlla]

But the fact is that increased spending can cause huge problems for poor people living in poor countries due to the globalized economy and law of supply and demand increasing the cost of living all over the world.

It's interesting people only focus on excess. Yet the majority have a closet full of items made with slave labor not to mention what's in their home. Unlike your example, they're aware of the problem and its origin. It's well documented in our culture. But you'll never hear a sermon about shopping at Walmart or the harsh realities of what their bargains entails.

I spend more as a matter of conscience and buy locally whenever possible. I know the people who provide my food and support small businesses. I have no qualms treating myself because I honor the Lord with my wallet. I have an eco-friendly lifestyle too. Which requires more expense and effort than the quick option in a bottle.

If someone raised the subject with me I'd answer with James. Show me your faith and I'll show you my faith and works as well. Let's do a walkthrough. Show me your closets and drawers. Open your refrigerator and cupboards. Fish out your old receipts you haven't tossed and then we can talk.

Show me what you do in light of your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Because that's the truth. There's more people funding slave labor than expensive cars. But we don't want to talk about that because it might make them uncomfortable. Heaven forbid if we admit that many are christians.

No one is in a position to scrutinize anyone's spending habits when your belongings condemn you. Get your house in order first then you can help others do the same.

God isn't the author of confusion. He won't have you warring against the wealthy while you're part of the problem elsewhere. Conscientiousness is built one brick at a time and He'll deal with you first before you take on others. Lest you be accused of hypocrisy.

If believers were more astute they'd spend less time discussing others and what they're doing. Because words are like spotlights in the spirit realm. When you condemn others you shine a light on yourself and your words are weighed above. The evil one is looking for lies and hypocrisy so you can be afflicted. The bible warns you about your mouth for a reason.

~bella

 

[timewerx]

It's interesting people only focus on excess. Yet the majority have a closet full of items made with slave labor not to mention what's in their home. Unlike your example, they're aware of the problem and its origin. It's well documented in our culture. But you'll never hear a sermon about shopping at Walmart or the harsh realities of what their bargains entails.

I'm assuming I'm not one of those you're talking about despite my posts against excesses because you probably already know my situation.

There's more people funding slave labor than expensive cars.

The luxury industry still, albeit, indirectly fund slave labor even if the industry is able to source everything locally.

The profit they make after taxes and after business expenses, can be spent in anything. Even their employees and subcontractors can also spend their income on anything. Their owners and executives can spend their income on anything as well. Eventually, that spending will come across something that supports the slave labor in poor countries.

Even if not talking about slave labor, their spending habits alone that keeps demand high contributes to worsening cost of living around the world where the weakest and the most vulnerable in the world are harmed the most. Whatever you did or did not do the least, you did to the Lord (Matthew 25:40)

The effect to climate change by excess spending (if proven) also harms the weakest and most vulnerable the most.

There really is no "clean money". Everyone is guilty to some extent.

God isn't the author of confusion. He won't have you warring against the wealthy while you're part of the problem elsewhere. Conscientiousness is built one brick at a time and He'll deal with you first before you take on others. Lest you be accused of hypocrisy.

As long as we still use money (including myself) then we are part of the problem. But it doesn't stop us from trying our best to minimize causing problems to everybody else.

The Pharisees were accused of hypocrisy because they were blind to their own problems, even after their problems were made known to them, they still deny it.

 

[Bobber]

I agree in a sense with the OP but I think we're better off just talking about the principals of the WORD of God when it comes to what people do with their money.

I've seen people make light of people because they get their hair styled and their nails done at a shop with others saying they're spending money on frivolous things and that same person putting them down will turn around and spend 15 K on a trip.

About luxury cars I used to build them in the car industry so you can understand I'm glad that at least some people would buy them. Sports cars might indeed be impractical but high priced larger vehicles are built safer with better quality parts. There is a saying you get what you pay for.

 

[timewerx]

About luxury cars I used to build them in the car industry so you can understand I'm glad that at least some people would buy them. Sports cars might indeed be impractical but high priced larger vehicles are built safer with better quality parts. There is a saying you get what you pay for.

I've only ever driven cheap brands of cars and trucks for over 20 years in different countries. Mostly in chaotic, crowded roads in 3rd world countries. But I've also driven in rich countries where speeds are a lot higher.

Never had an accident on the road. Not even a scratch, thank God!

Most of the cars I've driven are around 20 years old and I have no complaints on reliability of cheap brand Japanese cars.

I think as long as we did the best we could, the Lord takes care of the rest.

Nowadays, I get around mostly by bicycle, even to haul groceries and sometimes heavy items. I only ever drive dad's car to get mom to church and back on Sundays. All other days of the week and other errands on Sundays, it's the bicycle. Not only good exercise but also more sustainable for the environment.

Helps reduce demand for oil too. High demand for oil makes makes oil/fuel more expensive and ultimately raises cost of living all over the world and it is really bad for poor people living in poor, 3rd world countries to deal with fluctuating cost of living. It could mean skipping meals on some days.