Friday, February 28, 2014

Over-Consumers Anonymous

As we've lately been discussing our relationship as the people of God with Money... questions that continue to linger for us, as people who live in the consuming culture that we do, center on:
Do we live out of more or less than we really need?... Than we are created for?


So then, some good things for us to reflect on is our relationship to these things that we so readily consume... Here are some questions to scratch your head about:  :)

May we always be people who live out of Love and Fear in the presence of a Holy God, who is faithful to give us what we need.


Food and Drink: How much food and drink is enough? Am I consuming more or less food and drink than my body needs? Or am I consuming just the right amount?

Clothing: How many clothes are enough? Do I have more or less clothes than I need?

Housing: How much space do I need? Do I have more or less space than I need?

Transportation: How much car and airline travel do I need? Do I travel more or less than I need?

Consumer goods: How much stuff (books, electronics, furniture, cars, bicycles, etc.) do I need? Do I have more or less stuff than I need?

Entertainment: How much entertainment do I need? Do I have more or less entertainment than I need?

Follow up questions to answer:
What are the personal costs of consuming more or less than I need?
How is the world (other people) affected by my choices?
Is this an area of life where I may actually benefit from having less?
What might it look like for me to practice contentment and voluntary simplicity with this issue?