Been giving it a lot of thought lately...

[ZiSunka]

I keep feeling guilty that I own things, ornamental things like knicknacks and pictures and quilts and such, when I could have and maybe should have spent the money on missions and stuff. I don't own a lot of stuff by American standards, but I don't know where I stand by heavenly standards.

Am I feeling unnecessarily guilty or should I sell everything and give the money to the poor?

[RichardT]

I keep feeling guilty that I own things, ornamental things like knicknacks and pictures and quilts and such, when I could have and maybe should have spent the money on missions and stuff. I don't own a lot of stuff by American standards, but I don't know where I stand by heavenly standards.

Am I feeling unnecessarily guilty or should I sell everything and give the money to the poor?

Do what the Holy Spirit instructs you to do :)

[JPPT1974]

Hey agree with you right there.
Let the Lord lead and guide you.

[Crazy Liz]

:wave: Welcome back, LL!

[arunma]

I keep feeling guilty that I own things, ornamental things like knicknacks and pictures and quilts and such, when I could have and maybe should have spent the money on missions and stuff. I don't own a lot of stuff by American standards, but I don't know where I stand by heavenly standards.

Am I feeling unnecessarily guilty or should I sell everything and give the money to the poor?

Well for what it's worth, here's my personal opinion.

I am by no means in favor of American capitalism, which is idolatry of money. However, I don't think that we're required to give away everything we own. I think the key is to live frugally. Perhaps John Wesley set the best example. Whenever his income increased, he would increase his donations to the church accordingly, so that his entire life, the annual amount of money he brought home never increased at all (so this goes far beyond mere tithing).

Essentially what I'm trying to say is this. I have no desire for a large house, expensive cars, speedboats, plasma TVs, or any other things of that nature. But I don't think the Lord opposes my desire to have a roof over my head, and three meals a day. And if I some day make a large income, that's fine. I'll just give all of it to the church, except for whatever little I need to keep the roof over my head.

[Ragamuffins]

Am I feeling unnecessarily guilty or should I sell everything and give the money to the poor?
Up to you I guess. What you could do is is give the stuff to the poor and needy. I dunno, but I am glad to see you around again :)

[MrJim]

I vote that it's guilt-necessary or not.

IMO if you believed God was calling you to do this you wouldn't have to question it.

[ZiSunka]

Good point Menno.

[Joykins]

Eh.

Pictures and quilts and even ornaments can be the product of someone's loving labor, and the income from it can support an artist and his or her family. I am a crafter and am made happy when people enjoy the things I make (although I usually give them as gifts and do not sell). Do what the Lord leads, but it's not wrong to own or buy beautiful things in and of itself.

[JPPT1974]

Eh.

Pictures and quilts and even ornaments can be the product of someone's loving labor, and the income from it can support an artist and his or her family. I am a crafter and am made happy when people enjoy the things I make (although I usually give them as gifts and do not sell). Do what the Lord leads, but it's not wrong to own or buy beautiful things in and of itself.

I am sure that you are a good crafter.
If you like and feel comfortable doing, could you provide some of your work for us to see here. :wave:

[Joykins]

I do knitting, mostly. Here are some recent projects. I gave the baby sweater and hat as gifts but kept the fair isle tam for myself...

[aReformedPatriot]

Not to be money grubbing, but if you sell everything and give it all away, Can I have a scholarship lol. :P j/k---though there is some truth in my jest.

In anycase, It is good to see you again LL! I have been wondering where the heck you went. If you feel led to sell your possessions and live a simpler life, then go for it. Otherwise I do not think its biblically mandated for you to do so.

Peace Be with Ye

- Bro. Mark :wave:

[Carrye]

when I could have and maybe should have

God doesn't think in terms of 'could have' and 'should have' - He thinks in terms of what is. So, this sounds like guilt to me. But maybe take it as a little prodding of your conscience, and make it a point to live a bit more simply - which is always a good thing to do when we're growing in the Christian life anyway.

I hope you're doing well, LL!

[JPPT1974]

I do knitting, mostly. Here are some recent projects. I gave the baby sweater and hat as gifts but kept the fair isle tam for myself...

Those are cute gifts my friend
BTW, how old is the baby in the picture?
Very cute indeed!