We've always been warned about being too materialistic, but how can you tell if you're simply enjoying your hard-earned money or living a lifestyle that is too extravagant? God wants you to be happy and if you're financially successful, He will not hold it against you. However, when is a rich lifestyle bordering on too much?
Wealth is a gift from God
This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. - Ecclesiastes 5:18-19
First of all, don't feel guilty for being rich or having too much money. If you've worked hard for that money, then it is your decision to spend it the way you want to. If you want to buy a new house or a new car, that is fine. This is the fruit of your labor and God recognizes your hard work as well. In the verse above, it is said that wealth and possessions as well as the ability to enjoy those are gifts from God. So, always remember that.
Give back the glory to Him
However, when you enjoy the things you have, there is one golden rule you must not forget – it is to give back all the glory to God. It is one thing to believe that you're the one who worked hard for the money, and it is another thing to know that God allowed you to have such wealth.
Every Christian must not forget to give the glory to God and acknowledge how big God's part is in your financial success. If you simply think that your wealth is all about yourself, then you're already in danger. This means that you're now too proud to acknowledge God's role in this and that the pursuit of your success has become an idol in your life.
It must be for His glory
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – Timothy 6:9-10
Apart from remembering to give glory back to the Lord, you must also consider whether the stuff you're buying actually brings glory to the Lord as well. In Timothy 6:9-10, it says that money is the root of evil and the rich are easy to tempt. This means that the more money you have, the more vulnerable you are to temptation. And if temptation wins you over, you'll just be buying things for the sake of buying things, without thinking of whether such a thing will bring glory to Him.
Is it okay for a Christian to live an extravagant lifestyle? No. The word extravagant is defined as lacking control in spending money. If you're buying things just because you want to spend that money, then clearly, this isn't how God wants you to steward over the wealth He has blessed you with. On the other hand, if you're rich and living a comfortable lifestyle with some luxuries here and there, as long as you practice self-control in spending, think about the meaning and purpose of your purchases, and don't forget to give back the glory to the Lord, surely, He will want to see you happy with your hard work, too.
