When is enough … enough?
The consumerism of our culture and my Christian faith often leave me pondering … “When is enough … enough?” We’re bombarded with advertisements and social pressures to have more, to have something bigger and better. Often times, when we do not have the latest style, the newest model, the larger home and the newer car, it leaves us feeling like we do not have enough.
I believe it’s great to enjoy the good things in life, which have different definitions for nearly each one of us. They can be enjoying nature, a hike, bird watching, a great cup of gourmet coffee, a delicious dinner, a greasy pizza, gardening, collecting antiques or other valuables, wearing designer clothes or being practical and wearing clothes known to be durable. While I personally choose to purchase products from Starbucks, Eddie Bauer, Lands End and Levi’s, it’s because of taste, quality, durability and fit, not because I need the Levi tag on my body to make me a better person although sometimes I feel like I need the Starbucks caffeine boost!
I’ve been told to have the attitude of “it’s okay for them because it is what they need.” While I understand that sentiment, I have to ask a few more questions. Did they gain their possessions by hurting others? Have they taken it upon themselves to help others who don’t have the basic necessities before hoarding a collection of designer handbags? If they’ve gained by oppressing others or failing to share with the weak, powerless, hungry, orphans, widows, widowers or strangers then is it still okay?
Marty and I have sponsored a child through Compassion named Dorine. We have corresponded with her and her family. With each heartfelt letter and drawing by 5 year old Dorine that we receive, I am left with tears in my eyes and a joy that I can’t describe. They live in Haiti. When I think of how they live, how others live even in Ohio and in the United States, all living in OUR world, I realize that I may just have enough, nearly enough and sometimes more than enough!
My personal value is not assigned to me based on what I purchase, what I own or what label I am wearing, walking on, sitting on, reading, listening to, dining on, eating, where I go to church or what I am driving. Others in our culture may choose to assign value and assign my identity based on those things and that is wrong, in my humble opinion!
When is enough … enough? It’s a gray area that I’ll continue to ponder. To THIS American, shopping is not a hobby or recreational activity, it is a necessity. I have to consume to live. I don’t have to live to consume.
Trina Daniels
May 3rd, 2008 at 12:01 am
Obviously, you being my wife, we have discussed this many times.
I was talking with a friend, exploring when enough is enough and he asked me plainly, “Should I give up my 4000 square foot house? Is it too much?”
I responded by asking him a few questions.
1) Do you NEED that much space?
2) Do you USE that much space?
3) Are you able to easily maintain that space?
4) Does owning this much property prohibit you from doing anything the Lord has asked you to do?
The answers were honest.
1) No, it’s just my wife and I.
2) No, we mostly use the kitchen, living room, one bedroom and one bath. I haven’t been upstairs for weeks.
3) No, the tractor is broke, the drive way need repaved and bees are taking over the garage.
4) maybe.
Having things is not bad. When things HAVE YOU it is a sin. Being owned by or in love with your possessions, status or what you eat is a sin.
I believe it is entirely ANTI-CHRIST to have so much more than we NEED while our brothers and sisters in this country and around the world suffer in poverty or below poverty. It is inexcusable and something we in the United States specifically will have to answer too eventually.