There are Christians who revere voluntary poverty, seeing it as a means of escaping from the materialism of the world and of not abusing the resources of the earth.

Other Christians revere work and consider the benefits that flow from it to be good stewardship and evidence of the blessing of God.

Those in each group see themselves as being more righteous than those in the other group.

Taking that as a warning and a starting point in seeking God’s will for our material affairs, here are some points that come to my mind:

1. Self-righteousness is abhorrent to God
2. We need to do honest work to provide for our needs and the needs of our family.
3. We should be content; there is no need to envy those who have more than we do.
4. We need to have enough to give to the work of God and to help those who do not have enough.
5. If we don’t have time for family, worship, prayer and reading the Bible and other Christian literature, we are probably too busy with material pursuits.
6. If we are ashamed to ask for advice or help, we are too proud.
7. Recreational shopping wastes not just money but valuable time that could be spent with family and friends.
8.  Maybe we don’t need to travel as often, or as far, as we would like to.
9. It’s not healthy to never leave home; visiting in other communities gives us new insights.
10. God is interested in every aspect of our life.

What do you think? Suggested changes or additions are welcome.