Should A Christian Buy A Lexus?
Yes and No answers by different Christians.
Yes, we can own a Lexus. “Utilitarianism” sees the moral good as making the best possible use of our resources and so many Christians think the rich should give away all their money to the poor. In reality the Bible says two things to the rich: riches are a blessing, but it is a blessing that is supposed to connect us to God. When the connection breaks down we are in sin. The connection is spiritual (humility, compassion) and physical (justice for the poor). The Bible contains many righteous wealthy people, who were even affirmed by Jesus. Jesus and the prophets condemned those rich who ignored the poor and lived in spiritual alienation. Another factor is that wealth is relative – a Lexus is a luxury to most Americans, but even a beat-up old car is a luxury to most of the world. John Schneider
No, we shouldn’t own a Lexus. A rich lifestyle more reflects American consumerism than biblical righteousness. Christians are not to be rich in things. We should reduce consumption, not increase it. How much can we keep? It is difficult to determine exactly. What we keep may be more important to God than what we give. Possessions are OK if they proclaim the gospel of Jesus. Jo Kadlecek & David Williams
Letter to Editor (#90, page 12) by Jim Moses of Lexington, Kentucky:
The problem is not really the Lexus but what constitutes stewardship. It is also an issue of the fit between our accountability to God and our accountability to others. Williams and Kadlecek over-simplify the poverty issue. It’s true that God does not need us to achieve the power of riches to bring about His will, but God challenges and strengthens our trust in Him by distributing as He wills. Jesus’ disciples were more the middle class of their society than the poor. Peter, Andrew, James, and John had a fishing business that was big enough for Zebedee to hire others to work in. Matthew was a tax collector. John retained sufficient possessions that he had a house to provide room for Mary after the crucifixion.
The early Church had sufficient resources to care for widows. Some voluntarily sold their possessions and gave all to the church but, if I interpret Peter’s rebuke to Ananias properly, that was not required. In fact, there was only one man (recorded) whom Jesus told to give all to the poor. That “rich young ruler” was clearly violating the first and great commandment.
The real bottom line is, where do Emily and Robert go from here? I have a dear friend who says God has never permitted her to buy a new car but has always provided a reliable used car. She never condemns those who buy new cars, but her testimony had me reevaluating our fourth new vehicle (in 26 years). The clearest witness of the Good News is the love we have for one another. This love must transcend the Cavalier and the Lexus.
Jim Moses, Lexington, Kentucky