With the announcement of yesterdays iPhone 3GS and so many other goodies like Macbook Pros, Snow Leopard etc. I continue this battle: My core value of simple living (valuing uncluttered lives, which free me to love boldly, give generously, and serve joyfully)  in comparison to the world and society that I live in. First ponder this quote:

“How many things we own that we do not give away because we feel so attached to them. It is better to have less in order to give all to Jesus.” – Mother Teresa.

Are we so attached to the latest gadgets, shoes, purses, etc. that we forget those in the world that have so much less then us? As Christians we are committed to the Biblical call to be in the world, but not of the world. As a Christian that means I need to be aware of how I spend my time, money, and talent. You have probably heard the saying if you want to know what a person really values, do not listen to their words, but rather look to where their money is going.

Some may call me a rather large Apple fan. I love Mac’s, I have one personal iMac and a laptop and G5 that I work on everyday in the office. I have my own personal first generation iPhone. Each of these things I value greatly they allow me to exhibit my creativity in so many ways. So when the new iPhone 3GS was announced at the WWDC I had this immediate feeling “I have to get one.” Good thing they didn’t go on sale yesterday because I might have been tempted to buy it right then. Today as I reflect on my own selfish desires I am reminded of the fact that I have a working iPhone. It might need an extra charge throughout the day and it certainly has a few scuffs and scratches, but it still is working, in fact I will even get a free upgrade to the 3.0 software. So unless I win a free iPhone I think I will at least wait until the one I have becomes unsupported or wares out.

Apple makes it so hard for me to value simple living. I am committed to living a life that reflects the life of Jesus. I am never perfect, in fact I have a lot of flaws, but I know that if I give into what the world says I need I will find myself wanting more and more stuff. Our society is in trouble economically and the main reason is because we are greedy. American’s are in debt over there heads and they don’t know what to do. As you consider making your next purchase will you consider basing your decision on God’s principles and not society’s viewpoints?