“Keeping up with the Joneses”

I have heard that phrase for many years.  In other words we should try living within the means (money) that we earn and not to strive for more. 

This is a conundrum for us as believers.  Is having more money sinful?  Is striving after more money sinful? I’m sure we all have heard many times……”it’s not money but the lust for more.”  It’s the “love of money” that is the root problem.  We can say amen to that.

However, think on this.  If  it wasn’t for the wealthy and the generous in this world, we would not be able to have Christian schools, children’s homes,  art museums, symphony orchestras, historical sites……..all maintained by generous benefactors who are willing to share their wealth with others.  It’s the American dream.  It’s part of our democratic ideals to want to better our life. 

”Keeping up with the Joneses” is much more than acquiring wealth.  This is a heart issue as are most of the writings in scripture.  Jesus mentions “where your heart is that is where your treasure is also.”  (Matthew   6:21)

“Keeping up with the Joneses “, by its very nature, is more the pursuit of conformity to others.  This actually means a loss of our individuality.  Society has an interesting effect on us.  Think of the changing styles and how quickly the masses adopt them.  But deep down do we really want these things?

We follow the new fashions.  We watch the same shows and movies and read the same books.  We even conform in the décor of our homes.  I remember wanting avocado appliances and harvest gold in the kitchen!!!  I had wild orange and green wall paper in the bathroom.  It was really dreadful. All because I wanted to conform with the décor of the 70s!

We as believers are indeed set apart from others.  By the nature of who we are and Who we follow we will find inner peace and calm that allows us to experience sufficiency, regardless of how much others have.  When our resources are spent on pursuits that are needful in this world then we will find fulfillment.

Will others have more?  Absolutely.  But when we are doing the best we can with the resources we have, the end results will be a confidence and peace that the Joneses have been chasing all along.   We give up our ideas of conformity because we must follow in the footsteps of the Master. 

Paul, the great Jewish theologian wrote these words to his Roman believers,  “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  (Romans 12:2)    

 I guess that tells us about keeping up with the Joneses!