I could really use a newer car, how about you?  What do you have on your list of things you would really like to have?

I try not to think about buying a newer car because I know what happens if I think about it long enough, it changes from a ‘want’ to a ‘need’.  Suddenly I’ll be saying that I need a newer car when, in fact, I don’t.  My Maxima is now 11 years old but it’s in great shape and running well.

Matthew 25:29 convicts me about making good use of the things I already have.  God has blessed me abundantly and he expects me to be a good steward of the things he has already given me.  I don’t think that having a constant list in my head of more ‘things’ that I want really honors him because he has already given me so much.  I really think the ‘abundance’ that Jesus talks about in this verse doesn’t necessarily mean material stuff.  In my experience, it’s more about the abundance of peace and contentment I receive when I focus on all that God has already given me.

 So I try to stay out of the materialism trap but it’s very hard.  Especially when I see those newer Maxima’s on the freeway all around me every morning.  They really look nice!  I would shut my eyes, but that’s not a good idea 🙂

So I’ll just keep reading God’s word and asking him to help me soak up his wisdom so I can apply it to my life everyday.  And I’ll focus on doing a good job with the things he has already given me.