On Abundance, Part 1: Needs and Wants

DOlinger

We humans need stuff. We need food, and clothing, and shelter, and we need a way to get those things. The past year has made us aware of how much we need other things, too: love, companionship, interaction, variety.

We also want stuff. We want money—always just a bit more than we have. We want better health—even if we live in ways that seem to contradict that. We want recognition, which these days comes most commonly by way of likes and shares and congratulatory comments.

Discussion

Who Is Rich and Who Is Poor?

Filings

“Sixteen years ago, my wife and I winnowed all our earthly possessions to eight suitcases, turned down a pair of six-figure incomes, and became missionary physicians in rural Africa. In doing so, I thought I was choosing a life of modest poverty. Instead, I discovered I was an amazingly rich tycoon.” - Mere Orthodoxy

Discussion

The Danger of Prosperity

Filings

“There is a danger to be avoided in prosperity. When we are comfortable, we forget God and wrongly ascribe the blessings we enjoy as arising from ourselves… . Furthermore, when we are comfortable with our circumstances, we inevitably desire greater comfort.” - P&D

Discussion

When You Want to Stay at Home with Kids But Can’t

Filings

“Because you would rather stay home with your children—which is a great desire—your work outside of the home may feel more like a ‘have to’ than a ‘want to’ or a ‘get to.’ And that sort of situation can be the breeding ground for contempt and bitterness…So, what can you do about it? I think you have two options. With God’s help, you could either change your situation or change your heart.” - TGC

Discussion