The following devotion is by Greg Munn about Saving for a Tesla car. Greg writes: Today I borrowed my daughter and son-in-law's car. I had been warned that the fuel-light shone on the last trip the car had made, so would I fuel it up? I took it to the fuel station and it took 49 litres, just shy of $150!
I've watched my own fuel costs escalating recently and thought “a Tesla would fix those costs nicely”. A Tesla is I think $70k+ new at the moment. In a few years there may be some second-hand ones about at a lesser price.
What is the cause for yearning? Is it to:
- Save the planet with less injurious emissions, or
- Protect my finances by avoiding the cost of hydrocarbons, or
- Pursue the "Joneses" with the latest long distance capable E-car, or
- The pursuit of God's honour by having the best. (Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”)
At what point in our materialistic trajectory do we take stock and call time? (In considering Colossians 3:2-3, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”)
Are we competing to be honourable among our friends (electric grass mower, or fancy phones)?
Do these things build authentic relationships or just fuel envy and separation? There have been many movements over time: St Francis of Assisi, Monasticism, Communities, Salvation Army....
Discussion questions:
What example are we setting? What are we saying to each other as we grapple with being in the world and not of it?
Blessings
Greg Munn