Golden Calf
Can I be a Christian and enjoy luxurious items?
For three weeks now I have been getting up at 5am and walking. I like the idea of running, however, I’m taking baby steps. Each morning I put on my worn out hiking boots that somehow survived my year in the Amazon, and I feel unease. Not discontent and ungrateful, but not in alignment. An off feeling. After awhile my feet started hurting and I figured new running shoes would help encourage me to run.
I prayed about the shoes and asked God if I could grab a pair. Just like a child asking to borrow money from their father, I discussed the price and why I needed them. He confirmed and told me not to get distracted and buy other things in the shopping centre. I have what my husband often says ‘shiny objects syndrome’. I went in to Nike, enjoyed the experience and customer service and bought a pair of shoes without feeling guilt or lack. It was the first pair of new sneakers i’d ever bought. All my sneakers have been second-hand either from op-shops, Marketplace, clothes-swaps or given to me. I don’t see an issue with this and am aware of fast fashion and waste. Yet, the poverty trap reinforced me to buy second-hand and to buy from places for half the price, yet quarter of the lifespan. Here me out $25 dollar second hand ballet flats lasted me 2 weeks before they fell apart. $4 dollar kmart ballet flats lasted me a month but STUNK after the first week from the synthetic material. $80 dollar brand new leather loafers from Myer - one month later and they still look new and I feel good wearing them. I hold myself better and feel more aligned with who I am and where I am at in life.
Christians can enjoy nice items. God wants us to be abundant. Not everyone is supposed to be wealthy and not all of us are responsible enough to steward his finances in a way that assists his kingdom. Having a relationship with God has changed how I view money. I felt like I never had enough in the past - no matter what I did. Now, I have full faith that God provides for me and my needs will be met. I still work hard and don’t soley rely on him as being Slothlike is mentioned throughout the bible. Yet, I don’t need to hustle - I need to heal from the lie of lack.