Friday, April 30, 2010

Quote of the Week

"Everything material we have, including money, is either a tool or an idol. If we fail to use it as a tool for God's intended purposes, it mutates into an idol."

5 comments:

Jimmy said...

This is a great quote with regard to all the provision that God has given us. I think it is one of those encouragements the transcends beyond material possessions to how we spend our time.
thanks for the quote -- one to keep in front of me.

Wandering Star said...

So whose quote is that exactly? If you study it closely it is absolutely meaningless.

Every Square Inch said...

Jimmy - you may be right. It's a question of stewardship, isn't it?

Wandring Star - it's a quote by Randy Alcorn, a pastor and noted Christian author. Why do you think it's meaningless?

Wandering Star said...

I have something material, it is called a toilet. How can I use this tool for god's intended purpose? How do know what his intended purpose is? And if I don't use it for that (whatever it might be) into what, and how, does it mutate? I certainly would never idolise my toilet.

Sorry, I find that quote vague to the point of being meaningless. I'm afraid many pastors are like that, they construct sentences in the attempt to give verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing argument. In other words, bullshit. Maybe god's intended use for my toilet?

Every Square Inch said...

Wandring - enjoyed your comeback - your example made me chuckle. And I do appreciate your candor and forthrightness.

I think Randy Alcorn is advocating for using our wealth with God's perspective in view. Spending our wealth on things "material" should be done by considering whether it's to be used for God's purposes in our lives vs to boost our ego and satisfy our selfishness.

When 1/2 the world lives on less than $2.50/day, it's not a bad thing to consider.