We picked up a real estate brochure today at the super market.  One of the featured homes was an entire floor of a high rise building on Singer Island, a little up the coast from us.  It was reduced from three million dollars to two-and-a-half million.  Four bedrooms, several baths, and a room for just about any purpose that residents could desire, and yet – The building offers guest suites for visitors, so that they do not have to intrude into the residents’ personal space.  I find that interesting.

Please know that I am not condemning those who choose to live this way.  God loves rich people, too.  I simply can not understand, or identify with, such a life, when there are so many in our world who are grateful simply for a blanket and a corner of the pavement where the wind does not blow.

Yet, it is easy to be self-righteous and complacent, believing that our minimalist style of living makes us better stewards of what God has given us to share.  The prophet Micah says it this way:  He has showed you what is good, and what the Lord requires of you.  Do justice.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God.  (6:8)

No matter how much we may have, or how little, gratitude, fairness, compassion, and a humble spirit are more beautiful than a fortune in the bank, or in the condominium.