Buying a corvette is wrong?

[Bobber]

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.

That of course is your choice and yes good exercise. Quite frankly I wouldn't do it for the environment thing. I'd wager most that lead movements about environmentalism don't practice what they preach and just tell you what you should do. Your carbon footprint would be so small in the things that you do as well.

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.

Yeah but the cost of oil/fuel can and probably is manipulated for a thousand and one reasons they can cite. You seem to want to sacrifice your convenience for reasons that might not even mean anything. Of course riding bike is exercise and a good time too (at least it can be) if that's what you want to do. I just wouldn't do it for environmentalism.

 

[bèlla]

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.

That wasn't directed to you. But it's applicable nonetheless. The bigger issue beneath it is the heart and that's being overlooked for dollars and cents. @Niels mentioned it in his response.

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

The luxury industry is a profit machine abetted by greed and complicit countries. You can do it ethically but they don't. Their priority is shareholders and investors. Sustainable fashion exists but it's expensive. I discovered a brand a few years ago that encouraged their customers to sew. They created kits, books and events to help them make their garments and their pieces are lovely. We need more of that and it's happening. One of the 'positives' of the climate agenda will be less consumption for some.

~bella

 

[bèlla]

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 15K on a trip.

They don't recognize their hypocrisy. Money spent on items they consider frivolous is wrong. While things that aren't are fine. But they don't realize their okay is someone else's frivolity.

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.

You can see it in the workmanship and handling. I watch a lot of reviews and notice little things like craftsmanship. The body, stitching, knobs, features, etc. Perhaps I'm more discerning because I'm artist. I can appreciate the leather quality, subtleties in lighting, placement and sound. I know an impeccable piece when I see it.

~bella

 

[timewerx]

That of course is your choice and yes good exercise. Quite frankly I wouldn't do it for the environment thing. I'd wager most that lead movements about environmentalism don't practice what they preach and just tell you what you should do. Your carbon footprint would be so small in the things that you do as well.

I'm well aware of the hypocrisy in environmentalism. It's bad. It's hard to beat human nature to "go with the flow" and just keeping doing what everybody else is doing but with a little help from the Lord, it might just be possible.

Still, a little improvement is still better than no improvement at all. We should encourage people who are trying to make things better even if they're unable to do it flawlessly. No one is perfect.

Yeah but the cost of oil/fuel can and probably is manipulated for a thousand and one reasons they can cite. You seem to want to sacrifice your convenience for reasons that might not even mean anything. Of course riding bike is exercise and a good time too (at least it can be) if that's what you want to do. I just wouldn't do it for environmentalism.

I'm not really expecting the oil prices to go down significantly if somehow, miraculously, demand for oil goes down dramatically. As you said due to price manipulation.

But it's still better than having oil prices go up sharply due to increased demand.

And just the fact the world is buying less oil can still make things better even if the price of oil doesn't go down. The reduced profit in the oil industry can reduce spending in some sectors. The economy is well interconnected and this can still lower price of some products and may help reduce cost of living.

I also live in one of the most polluted cities in the world. The volume of traffic on the road has a direct effect on the severity of the smog. And smog where I live is bad. Even if it can't be proven the use of fossil fuels drive climate change, the use still has significant, local effect on the quality of air and directly affects the health.

 

[timewerx]

You can see it in the workmanship and handling. I watch a lot of reviews and notice little things like craftsmanship. The body, stitching, knobs, features, etc. Perhaps I'm more discerning because I'm artist. I can appreciate the leather quality, subtleties in lighting, placement and sound. I know an impeccable piece when I see it.

~bella

If only consumerism and fossil fuel did not have negative consequences to the rest of the world, I'd probably get a classic car with (If I can afford it) and just use it the rest of my life. Something like a 1960's Porsche. I really like the sound of classic, air-cooled boxer engines. Our family used to have a classic 60's German beetle in the 80's and 90's with the same engine. The sound is music to my ears. I still appreciate original art. (many people don't realize classic Porsches and Beetles have decent off-road ability and can be driven on the beach!)

I'm still not giving up the possibility that might happen some day when the world has changed and greedy people are no longer ruling our planet.

 

[All Becomes New]

Speaking as someone who is categorically poor by US standards (where I live) I cannot see how buying a Corvette glorifies God. It seems fleshly and hedonistic.

I have no problem if a person wants to splurge every once in a while. Maybe they get a really nice haircut and makeover or something. Whatever. But why do people buy a Corvette? Because it is a symbol of status. This is preached against in the Bible. As such, I cannot see a good reason to own one (unless it was a gift or they got it for dirt cheap something).

 

[bèlla]

If only consumerism and fossil fuel did not have negative consequences to the rest of the world, I'd probably get a classic car with (If I can afford it) and just use it the rest of my life. Something like a 1960's Porsche.

Some older models are sweet. There's a 2 door Mercedes that's eye candy. I don't know how much I'd drive it but it's one of the few I'd collect for aesthetic reasons. But otherwise my daily ride would be an SUV, a truck for the farm and a different vehicle for events. I don't need a lot.

I really like the sound of classic, air-cooled boxer engines. Our family used to have a classic 60's German beetle in the 80's and 90's with the same engine. The sound is music to my ears. I still appreciate original art. (many people don't realize classic Porsches and Beetles have decent off-road ability and can be driven on the beach!)

That's why I'm not into sports cars. I like a quiet ride and noise is a common issue that wasn't always the case in the past. I want to listen to jazz or classical music and relax.

I'm still not giving up the possibility that might happen some day when the world has changed and greedy people are no longer ruling our planet.

I wouldn't hold my breath. I watched a few videos from Yanasa earlier discussing the problem farmers are having with imminent domain. Land grabs are happening to facilitate data centers and it's worsening. They require a lot of energy and can't be turned off. The clean version is for us and the other is dedicated its use.

The earth endures so much and she's beholden to man whether they're good or bad. We'll have to commune. A little love goes a long way and she's deserving.

I'd like your opinion on this post if you don't mind. The show originated in Korea and the new season begins in December. I'd like to know if this sort of thing is possible? Would Asians take the risk to avoid embarrassment?

~bella

 

[timewerx]

Some older models are sweet. There's a 2 door Mercedes that's eye candy. I don't know how much I'd drive it but it's one of the few I'd collect for aesthetic reasons. But otherwise my daily ride would be an SUV, a truck for the farm and a different vehicle for events. I don't need a lot.

I also like classic Mercedes especially their turbodiesels.

That's why I'm not into sports cars. I like a quiet ride and noise is a common issue that wasn't always the case in the past. I want to listen to jazz or classical music and relax.

Sports cars are quiet by default. Same noise level as non-sport sedan.

If it's noisier, the customer had ordered custom exhaust mods through the dealer or done it by themselves. Air cooled boxer engines aren't loud by default either. They're still much quieter than regular sedans with custom exhaust parts and when also compared to a city bus.

I'd like your opinion on this post if you don't mind. The show originated in Korea and the new season begins in December. I'd like to know if this sort of thing is possible? Would Asians take the risk to avoid embarrassment?

Will do!

 

[bèlla]

Sports cars are quiet by default.

I'm referencing the engine. I don't mind the horsepower or the ride. But every now and then. It wouldn't drive it everyday.

~bella

 

[Richard T]

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.


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.

Yes, one should be a good steward. If you are making buck though and quite a bit going to the kingdom, it is not taking away from the poor, it could even be helping them because as you consume and buy overseas products that will cycle around. Many think too much like Malthus that the population would starve if there are too many people. Incredibly there are plenty of resources but yes some can't afford much. I try to avoid corn gas myself. Yes it raises the price of corn worldwide and could starve someone. Food purchases though are pretty inelastic in Western nations. It is good not to waste or overeat (God does not like gluttony) but the biggest harm that comes to the poor are subsidies Western nations give to their own farmers. This causes more Western production and farmers in poor countries take the hit directly as they have no access to subsidies and can't compete. Other than the environment, I doubt it much matters whether some rich guy has a corvette or jets the world.

 

[timewerx]

Other than the environment, I doubt it much matters whether some rich guy has a corvette or jets the world.

It matters when you're contributing to increasing demand for oil.

In many countries, the prices of commodities is strongly affected by oil prices. Higher oil prices can mean a poor family in a poor country skipping meals. Of course, it's not just oil. Higher demand for food will also spike food prices globally because many countries import their food from another country.

I know I've been saying it a lot but ironically as poor living in a poor country, I've actually reduced the number of meal I eat in a day from 3 meals to just 2 meals a day due to higher cost of groceries. At this point, I'm even reducing the calories I eat per meal and I'm already borderline underweight and well within underweight territory after an exercise session. I do need to exercise due to high risk of cardio vascular disease and diabetes in our genes. I used to be prediabetic but thank God, I seemed to have been healed miraculously without any medical intervention. The Holy Spirit pushed me to exercise.

The increased spending all over the world, did not actually equated to higher income for me. I tried but my slow mind is just not good enough for the highly competitive work place. No one's taking chances with me to earn more. I have an investment, but with so little invested, it's only making little. So my regular work income + investment income isn't really rising in proportion in rising cost of living. My electricity use is already minimal. I can't give up internet because I need it for work. So I've been cutting back on my food instead. I already stopped eating fruits few years ago, cut back on calories last year and this year, I reduced my meals from 3 to only 2 per day with absolutely no eating in between. Ironically, it seemed to improve my health despite being possibly malnutritional.

A stronger economy isn't always better for everyone. It usually results to higher cost of living for everyone because people can't control themselves spending more if their income gets better and unfortunately, not everyone can take advantage of the stronger economy. Not all of us can work or run a business competitively. I have brain damage for example that's why I think slow.

We've not begin to talk about pollution. Even if there is no real proof that human activity is driving climate change, carbon emissions still have a large contribution to local air quality. It causes smog and smog can cause sickness and worst affect will always be the poorest in society due poor access to quality healthcare, can't afford to use air conditioning, can't afford to move somewhere with cleaner air.

 

[Stephen777]

By US measurements, I am a Purple Heart Veteran and my pay is poverty level.
I have found living by the Grace of God through prayer/fasting/faith He has never let me truly fall. Hard times, yes but I still thank Him for it. But from this perspective I notice more then I ever did before.
There is a small church(40-50)people on a good Sunday. No deacons but instead board members. One is well known for his money, he donated a plot of land (50-80K value) to build a new church. Just trying to build a picture here.
Myself and another member live on a terrible 1mile long road the county does not maintain. I adjusted my money and bought a small tractor. I have broke the arms/bucket/etc. trying to dig a ditch for it and this person knows. He owns several construction vehicles and tractors, he owns multiple farms. He has never asked if I needed help or offered to loan me any of his machinery.
Today, can we truly say that churches are the body of Christ, that when one hurts we all hurt or when one celebrates well all do?

My thought on vehicles is strong. Humility is being able to buy the best but denying yourself and going with the average. God blesses and leads people to success in life so that through that blessing the people would share that blessing God has given them with others which is a blessing for them. God blesses one family and that family can bless many.
But people think their money is their money which is the same thought that how we take Gods materials of His creation and mold/form/build them into something and now it is ours and God has no claim on it.
Being rich scares me to be honest and I feel bad for those who celebrate it with new cars every year or houses beyond need. That reminds me of the rich man at my church, he has a indoor pool, large in size, they have never invited the core members over like on a Sun night or a Wednesday night. To me this is wrong.
When I share this feeling that I have prayed many nights over, I am shot down and usually its turned into a joke. The pastor once was talking of blessings from God and he said he got a job offer and he took it but the pay was only 60k/year and if anyone knows me knows thats not enough. He ended up getting promoted to a job I assume is much higher pay, his wife just bought a brand new Jeep grand cherokee while one of our older families that has been attending that church for decades has a car on its last limb.
Maybe I am wrong and its not the Spirit that leads me to this, maybe evil is whispering into my ear?

 

[timewerx]

Myself and another member live on a terrible 1mile long road the county does not maintain. I adjusted my money and bought a small tractor. I have broke the arms/bucket/etc. trying to dig a ditch for it and this person knows. He owns several construction vehicles and tractors, he owns multiple farms. He has never asked if I needed help or offered to loan me any of his machinery.

People will imagine many reasons not to help you - they think you might end up abusing their generosity, they don't want you owing them a favor, they don't want to become friends with you because you're poor and won't add "value" to them in terms of financial opportunities.

Finally, they wouldn't want giving money, help, or any favor to anyone who is unlikely to return a similar or higher value favor in the future.

Maybe if you can sing very very well. The best. They might see that potential and help you, seeing you might be a good investment.

The rich often looks at people like investment. They only give money to people who looks like a good financial investment but deny sparing any for those who seem like total losers.

Yet Jesus said giving to the "least" or the biggest losers is like you gave to Him as well. Giving to the rich on the other-hand like is totally pointless. Jesus said, they have already received their reward in full. They won't any reward from the Lord.

 

[bèlla]

A stronger economy isn't always better for everyone. It usually results to higher cost of living for everyone because people can't control themselves spending more if their income gets better and unfortunately, not everyone can take advantage of the stronger economy.

Our economy is crap, the cost of living is high and so is inflation. Americans are struggling and the debt is skyrocketing. National and personal. Many are living off credit cards to make ends meet and we're not alone.

~bella

 

[bèlla]

That reminds me of the rich man at my church, he has a indoor pool, large in size, they have never invited the core members over like on a Sun night or a Wednesday night. To me this is wrong.

That's his home not a recreation center. He's allowed his privacy and is free to welcome whom he chooses. Nor is anyone required to do the same. Some people like to entertain and others don't. Some are sociable and others aren't.

I've never visited a church member's home and never would for social reasons. I'm particular about cleanliness and not inclined to eat food prepared from anyone's home unless I know them well and their living conditions.

Nor would I invite them to visit me either. My home is a sanctuary and I won't be subject to gossip, drama or jealousy. Bringing people in your space opens up a can of worms I could do without. And he probably feels the same.

The pastor once was talking of blessings from God and he said he got a job offer and he took it but the pay was only 60k/year and if anyone knows me knows thats not enough. He ended up getting promoted to a job I assume is much higher pay, his wife just bought a brand new Jeep grand cherokee while one of our older families that has been attending that church for decades has a car on its last limb.
Maybe I am wrong and its not the Spirit that leads me to this, maybe evil is whispering into my ear?

Are you suggesting he shouldn't have blessed his wife and should have helped the member instead? Do you have any idea the level of sacrifice required to be in her shoes? Or the burden she bears while he's attending the flock? Oftentimes the church gets the best of a man and the family gets the rest.

I have no doubt she earned it and she should have gotten jewelry too! It's a thankless job rife with demands and ingratitude. If she stuck it out he's blessed. Church members spend a lot of time talking and complaining. No matter what you do it's never enough.

~bella

 

[bèlla]

He owns several construction vehicles and tractors, he owns multiple farms. He has never asked if I needed help or offered to loan me any of his machinery.

They're probably businesses and he can't lend out equipment for personal use. The insurance won't cover the damage and he's liable if you get hurt while using it. I worked on an organic farm and they never let us borrow equipment. You can rent something for a day or two to get it done.

~bella

 

[Stephen777]

I dont understand how to use the quote system, so just responding in general to last few.
Having the money to buy a corvette quote. This goes against denying self, this goes against humility and the fact we are supposed to be content with the simplicity of life. The idea you can give to outweigh a wrong is a dangerous turn.
The idea of opening his home, did we not see in biblical times how the first Christians did not open their homes and come together to celebrate that Jesus had come and rose. If the body of Christ is not one, then its a broken body. If we are to treat others better than ourselves, why would you not want to open your home if God has blessed you with more then the average person?
The wife with the new jeep, this goes towards the fact the leadership of the church is by example just as much as by the words spoken. I go back to my belief that humility is being able to buy the best but denying ourselves of it and going with something in the middle. Buying brand new high dollar vehicles when the average person buys 45k+ mile vehicles goes against what humility and meekness is.
The equipment, no they are his personal use equipment. I am not able to afford to rent the equipment.

 

[timewerx]

Our economy is crap, the cost of living is high and so is inflation. Americans are struggling and the debt is skyrocketing. National and personal. Many are living off credit cards to make ends meet and we're not alone.

~bella

What I don't understand is how the national debt is sky rocketing despite increasing profits with the richer demography.

Are the rich cheating taxes? Since most of the country's wealth is held by the rich minority.

 

[bèlla]

The idea of opening his home, did we not see in biblical times how the first Christians did not open their homes and come together to celebrate that Jesus had come and rose.

The people in biblical times weren't slandering church members on the internet because they won't invite them over so they can swim in their pool or lend equipment they've had difficulty using. This has nothing to do with Jesus. Everything you've said pertains to your wants or expectations and you've complained about several.

If we are to treat others better than ourselves, why would you not want to open your home if God has blessed you with more then the average person?

You've berated your pastor and two church members and probably shared your thoughts with others which might explain your dilemma. People who speak as you do rarely keep it to themselves.

The wife with the new jeep, this goes towards the fact the leadership of the church is by example just as much as by the words spoken.

The leadership in the church isn't responsible for buying vehicles. If you weren't so blind you'd recognize the problem with your suggestion. If he does it for one they'll expect the same when another problem occurs. That's financially reckless. The church could take up a collection on the person's behalf. But the pastor shouldn't be funding it. The moment he can't there will be problems.

You may believe you're justified by the way you feel. But it sounds petty and they have feelings too. You seem oblivious to that and it's a little disconcerting. You should work on your heart and let God deal with them.

~bella

 

[bèlla]

What I don't understand is how the national debt is sky rocketing despite increasing profits with the richer demography.

Are the rich cheating taxes? Since most of the country's wealth is held by the rich minority.

They printed an excessive amount of money during the pandemic which exacerbated the debt and caused inflation. We aren't taking in enough to pay our bills. We're borrowing to fund it. That's why the number keeps growing.

Income isn't keeping pace with the cost of living. Things have gone up a lot since 2020. Someone did a shopping comparison from that period and today using their purchases from Walmart. It was $100 in the past and $400 now for the same items.

~bella