I think there is a fine line between excess and what is just fine. For us on this forum, I think we know God is working this out in our hearts, and that materialism is a HUGE problem nowadays, as well as people (kids especially) being ungrateful. We live in a consumer culture.
Now having said that, I want my family to have nice things. I want them to be grateful, and not spoiled. Being able to afford them and not go into debt is another thing. It really is a matter of the heart.
I just watched again a movie called "Uprising"....in it the people go through horrific conditions, yet they still smile, laugh etc. Sometimes situations can put things in perspective. What IS important?
To me, it really is a matter of the heart. Carol, when it comes to vehicles, you should not get the least expensive, you should get the most comfortable, reliable, gas saving possible....yet still be able to afford it! (You deserve nice things!)
It's like this....I don't need a Hummer or a Mercedes, but that doesn't mean I have to drive a 10 year old Hyundai Pony or something!
Middle of the road is good....Honda civic! *I apologize to any Hyundai Pony owners, it was an example only!
Cars are very near and dear to me, as I require one to get to work, and without it, I have no job!
I used to WANT a fancier car to impress people; now I just want a decent reliable vehicle that won't fall apart. My heart attitude has changed, so it changed what type of vehicle I wanted. It's the same for a house; you don't want lack of space, but you don't need a 4000 square foot home for 2 people!
How much stuff is bought, and never used, and is never needed. Our stores are full of STUFF!!! Most of it will never be purchased. It really gets to me how we are driven by this; people buy things to make themselves feel better, and so they don't think about how miserable they are....I saw this in the church bigtime....
I am saying this from a perspective of one who used to buy habitually....to make himself happy....I still love buying stuff, but it is with a different attitude. If I need it or it's useful, then I will look around, compare and try to get the best bang for my buck. Don't get top of the line, but don't get bottom of the barrel garbage either....middle of the road.
But what do I know, I am sitting typing this on my $3000 laptop in my Aston Marton Vanquish ($300,000) at a stoplight, checking the time on my solid gold Rolex, sipping a $10 latte expresso low foam from Starbluks while thinking how my stock can gain a quarter point so I don't have to miss out on my second vacation to Mexico this year....I don't want to rough it! (please realize I'm kidding.... :-)
I think most people know, deep inside, what really is ok, and what is maybe excess....anyway, I hope you also know I'm not judging, just some thoughts I've had....take care....J