Living In The Light

May 30, Luxury And Extravagance

The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.
—Proverbs 10:22 LL 160.1

There are many who live less for the outside world, and more for the members of their own family circle. There should be less display of superficial politeness and affection toward strangers and visitors, and more of the courtesy that springs from genuine love and sympathy toward the dear ones of our own firesides. LL 160.2

The very best part of the house, the sunniest and most inviting rooms, and the most comfortable furniture, should be in daily use by those who really live in the house. This will make home attractive to the inmates, and also to that class of friends who really care for us, whom we could benefit, and by whom we could be benefited. But those guests who are attracted to us by the prospect of sumptuous dinners and an extravagant luxury of style, are not the ones whose companionship will improve our minds and hearts. . . . LL 160.3

But it is so flattering to the pride of some persons to exhibit a certain extravagant and fashionable style of living for the benefit of occasional guests, that they are willing to sacrifice the peace and comfort of the household for this empty gratification. The fine mansion, the costly furniture and ornaments, the toil in serving up dainty dishes to gratify the appetite, the expensive entertainments which swallow up money and time, and the dashing carriages designed more for show than comfort, bring no peaceful contentment. They have no connection with the real joys of life; they interfere with domestic quiet and unfit the mind for the homely but pleasant duties of practical life. LL 160.4

As these extravagances fail to satisfy their possessors, they blindly seek to remedy the failure by adding new luxuries and plunging deeper into the whirlpool of fashionable society. But the inevitable result is greater dissatisfaction, and an increase of care and anxiety. Decorations of dress and houses do not make people happy; but the lowliest dwelling may be beautified, and the poorest family be made rich, by the possession of meekness, kindness, and love. . . . The Creator regards such a home with approbation; and the inhabitants, though they have not “that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, and of putting on of apparel,” have that which is far better.— Signs of the Times, October 2, 1884. LL 160.5

Further Reflection: : Why can luxury and extravagance be dangerous to one’s Christian life? LL 160.6