Material Possessions

[titus212]

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
1 Timothy 6:6-9

I was reading this the other day and got to thinking if I should get rid of some of the things I don't need (i.e. TV, DVD's, Disc Players, Computer, Video Games, etc) and just worry about "food and clothing" (and other things that ARE needed). Could I be "content" without these things, that CAN, often times, divert my attention from God and doing what He wants me to do? I have pondered this before, and surmised, that I COULD give up my material possessions, on condition of having my time occupied by something else more constructive, as I get bored easily and would NEED to be doing something (also I would have to have, at least, my credit card payed off before I get rid of my computer).

What about Y'All? Could you live a life without some of your unnecessary possessions? What are some other Biblical teachings for or against having things? Discuss!

Varlen (The VMan)

[eddybear]

Hmm, good question V - and glad to see you around again as I've not seen you for a while.

I certainly think we're spoilt in the west. Could I do without a lot of things I have? Yes, I'm sure I could. Do I want to give them all up? Well, maybe not just yet.

I think you've made a valid point that you need to have something else to fill the time, just creating a void wouldn't be all that helpful. Having said that, I have read a little (and only a little) about the Desert Fathers of the 4th/5th centuries, and it certainly made me think.

One other thought, Paul stressed the importance of love in what we do, in 1 Cor 13, and used giving stuff up as an example.

Not time or energy to write more tonight, but good topic.

[canny]

I was reading this the other day and got to thinking if I should get rid of some of the things I don't need (i.e. TV, DVD's, Disc Players, Computer, Video Games, etc) and just worry about "food and clothing" (and other things that ARE needed). Could I be "content" without these things, that CAN, often times, divert my attention from God and doing what He wants me to do? I have pondered this before, and surmised, that I COULD give up my material possessions, on condition of having my time occupied by something else more constructive, as I get bored easily and would NEED to be doing something (also I would have to have, at least, my credit card payed off before I get rid of my computer).

What about Y'All? Could you live a life without some of your unnecessary possessions? What are some other Biblical teachings for or against having things? Discuss!

Varlen (The VMan)

I have pondered it, but living as we do now, I am not sure it would be practacal to be without some things. I do not get bored, I have no time, I do not have a credit card ( I am not allowed one ) I do run a car, that has been on a hairs breadth, and is likely to have to go first some time soon. I got a roof over my head so far.

[canny]

I have pondered it, but living as we do now, I am not sure it would be practacal to be without some things. I do not get bored, I have no time, I do not have a credit card ( I am not allowed one ) I do run a car, that has been on a hairs breadth, and is likely to have to go first some time soon. I got a roof over my head so far.

No one could get bored with all those people out there that need a hand

[canny]

It is actually impossible to function without a bank account in the UK. Unless you have land that can sustain you.

[DeaconDan]

It is actually impossible to function without a bank account in the UK. Unless you have land that can sustain you.

The UK does not have cash?

[canny]

The UK does not have cash?

I dont

[Bloodbought]

Yes we have cash but most employers and financial providers such as pension funds and goverment (pension and benefits etc) will only pay into your bank account.

I do not think that the bible condemn the possession of goods. It is th eownership that is the problem. We need cars and computers and TV's to function in our developed world. The question is are they ours or are they the Lord's. Whose benefit do we use them for?

"Whatever you hold, Hold it lightly". by somebody famous.

[canny]

I dont

ya know,, I went out yesterday without a penny in the world, and with debt up to my eyeballs................where am I gonna find that penny I so desperately need ?

[GraceAlone]

Yes we have cash but most employers and financial providers such as pension funds and goverment (pension and benefits etc) will only pay into your bank account.

I do not think that the bible condemn the possession of goods. It is th eownership that is the problem. We need cars and computers and TV's to function in our developed world. The question is are they ours or are they the Lord's. Whose benefit do we use them for?

"Whatever you hold, Hold it lightly". by somebody famous.

That is exactly the truth of it BB. Possessions are not the problem, it's our attitude towards them. Do you want an uber l33t computer so you can show off to your friends? That would be wrong. Having that some computer so I can use Logos more effectively and communicate with friends and family is the right mindset.
Those desert fathers were an interesting bunch; many of them only went to town when they needed food and even then they did not get much. They lived a life of extreme asceticism that really isn't healthy or productive for the kingdom. Christians are part of a community and we need to be in that community. Hiding away in the desert won't make you closer to God!