One of our biggest re-prioritizations is the way that we spend money.

We live in a consumer culture. Our lives are based on the material objects and the comforts that we can obtain. The idea leaks into our spiritual lives as well.

“I just want to be comfortable” is a popular phrase in the American workplace. “We don’t need to be rich,” we say, “I just want to be comfortable.” If that’s the case, our concept of “comfortable” has deviated significantly from the dictionary. How large of a television does it take to be comfortable?

Most of the things Americans say they “need”, they don’t need at all. Cell phones, television, automobiles—these are things that Americans say that they need. In reality, these are things that we like.

When we do spend money we should focus on experiences not on things. Few things are actually as helpful or comfortable as they appear. But experiences truly do last forever.

Our pursuit should always be to responsibly enjoy the earth, and to enjoy our community.

When we forget the possessions, we can experience God through community on this beautiful earth he has given us.

The key to our money philosophy is genuine unconcern. In the end, slavery to money and an obsession with frugality can be equally as destructive idols.