During the second week of November, Starbucks switches from its ubiquitous white cups and ushers in the Christmas season with festive red cups. Our family is weird enough that we talk about this day before it comes, and then we usually toast it after it arrives. Just this year, as I poured a little cinnamon into my chai tea, I got a text message on my phone: “The Christmas cups are here!”
I smiled and typed back, “I know. I’m holding one.”
Graham replied, “They make me happy.”
You can’t read my books without coming across Starbucks references. Once, while I was traveling, the conscientious couple chauffeuring me noticed the Starbucks cup in my hand. The woman said, “Have you ever thought of giving up Starbucks and giving the money to missions?” Now, the car they drove exceeded the cost of my Ford Focus by at least $20,000. I could have said, “Have you ever thought of trading in your vehicle for a Ford and giving the money to missions?” But of course, I didn’t.
Financial planners love to use the “latte factor” to show how a daily cup of luxury coffee can decimate retirement planning. And I do think we should be willing to part with any luxury to sacrificially support the advancement of God’s kingdom here on earth.
Even so, consider an intriguing, albeit counterintuitive bit of wisdom from the book of Ecclesiastes: “Do not be over righteous, neither be otherwise – why destroy yourself? … The man who fears God will avoid all extremes” (7:16,18).
An extreme fussiness can wear us out. Worse, it can set us up for failure after we run ourselves into the ground and, weakened by exhaustion, collapse into a foolish act of sin. Here’s what I have found: Too little pleasure can lead us into the same place that Christians fear too much pleasure will take us. The road may be different, but the destination is the same.
Pure Pleasure, 168-69
Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 NIV)
When someone gives you a good gift, the appropriate response is to enjoy the gift AND the giver. Ignoring God in favour of his gifts is idolatry. Ignoring God’s gifts is rejecting God’s expression of love.
You should have said that (kindly, of course). Some people need a gentle reminder. Others need a smack.
I had a friend at church who said almost exactly the same thing – who just got a new Porsche SUV. I told him that he could get himself a fully loaded Honda CRV (not a cheap car!) for 1/3 the price, and really suffer no way in terms of luxury, quality, or capability, and give the rest away. He sheepishly admitted I was right (but he still kept the Porsche). But I also know he gives a lot (more than what is expected) in both money and time, to the church, so I don’t hold it against him. The same can be said for houses – Do you really need that $600k house with 5 bedrooms when its just you and 2 kids? Maybe, maybe not.
I always try to remember this when I see Christians driving luxury cars or large homes – maybe those people already give a lot, maybe even more than I do (percentage wise). So maybe those people buying an expensive car, or house, or whatever, is ok, after all, its their money and they worked for it. So this is a lesson for me as well – give some grace, give the benefit of a doubt. Don’t assume they are cheapskates or misers. Especially with people and friends you know.
Just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean you have to give away all your income and time and drive a Yugo and live in a pop-up trailer. Do whats right, give as you should, and then give a little more if you can.
Funny: that last line can apply to marriage as well.
Such wisdom!!! So uncomplicated and wonderful!!!
Yes! This! Thank you.
Excellent!!! Great encouragement!