You know the feeling. You’ve just enjoyed a nice meal at a restaurant and pull out of the parking lot only to pass a man holding a sign that says, “Will Work for Food.” Guilt rushes in. Shouldn’t I have fasted today? Maybe I could go back and pick up a meal for him?
Whether this or another scenario, we often find ourselves struggling with the ability to enjoy the things of this world when so many live with much less. While we don’t own a yacht nor do we have a bundle stored in a secret bank account in Switzerland, we still wonder if God is mad at us when we go to a movie, buy a car, or even if we purchase the large soft drink instead of the small.
What does God say on this issue? First, remember that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). We are not to reject the joys of life. Rather, we are called to live thankful for them.
Second, God has called us to use our earthly possessions to help, not to hoard. If you have something to share, share it. But when you have shared, don’t feel bad for enjoying what God has given you. A good father gives good gifts because he loves his children. If his children felt guilty or rejected his gifts, it would not please the father who gave them. Likewise, when our heavenly Father gives us gifts, we can share them as we are able, but we are not to feel guilty for them. We are to accept them as an expression of his love for us.
There are two theological extremes to be rejected when it comes to material possessions: prosperity theology and poverty theology. Prosperity theology is the belief that God will bless us with more money and “things” as we are more obedient to him. Yet, a quick look at the early church puts such thinking to shame.
Poverty theology presents a different problem. Some have seen the excesses of prosperity and have taken the other extreme, claiming that any enjoyment of material possessions is evil. This has sometimes been the case in monastic communities since most make a vow to poverty as part of their commitment. Poverty can be a blessing, but it is not a requirement for godly living. Godly leaders such as Joseph, Daniel, Esther, and even some early converts to Christianity lived a life pleasing to God while enjoying material possessions.
If God has blessed you, remember to do two things: enjoy them and share them. When we do, we honor God and show his love to those around us, living out the Great Commandment in the process.
For more on this issues, see the following resources:
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Article - Where's Your Money - By Kristin England4 Responses to Should Christians Feel Guilty for Enjoying Earthly Pleasures? By Dillon Burroughs
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‘If God has blessed you, remember to do two things: enjoy them and share them. When we do, we honor God and show his love to those around us, living out the Great Commandment in the process.’- loved this!
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Russell Page, all I have to say to you is wow! GOD bless brother.
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From the kings of old, to Paul of Tarsus, time, calling, society changes, but God does not. He asks us to obey the laws, but we can enjoy the fruit of the labor of our hands too. I believe God is more tolerant to your sins and mine, than I could ever be. The gospel is a prosperity and protective promise, but it is also a warning. Discernment is the key to being a good servant.
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Each man has been given the ability to enjoy the fruits of his labor . . . and without guilt. On the other side of the coin, if there is a guilt, then perhaps that individual feels that way, because he or she has been without compassion in sharing the abundance of their labor. In contrast to God’s unconditional love, man’s love is conditional; consequently, we are still all sinners and basically self-centered. When we realize that this world’s goods is transitory and nothing that we experience with our senses will last — and the only thing that will last into eternity is how we unselfishly use what God has blessed us with . . . with others. I personally have been out of work for going on four years this December . . . the Lord has graciously supplied. It still doesn’t mean there is nothing that I can share with others . . . there is time, and listening ear and certainly compassion. The aspect of selling everything you have and making it into a pot did not work in the Christian circle as described in Scriptures; hence, each person much choose according to their choice and agreement with the Lord. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you is still the golden rule . . . but more importantly is what Jesus said:
John 13:34,35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
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