[Cal]

The Bible clearly warns us about a greedy desire to gain and consume. But that doesn't translate into a commandment to be poor, or even of modest means. I think the Lord really wants to bless us all materially. But many can't handle it because they would "consume it on their lusts" as James says.

I don't have any indication that is what is happening with Meyer. Her standard of living is commensurate with her income.

All of us, compared to people in Africa, are extremely extravagant. But our standard of living is commensurate with our income.

The Old Testament models are relevant. If material blessings are categorically bad, then God would have never blessed people like Abraham and Job and Solomon. All these men were his ministers in those days in some way. Yet, they received great material blessing.

What has changed fundamentally in the NT? Did money suddenly become worse because we have the Spirit dwelling in us now? Jesus did not preach against wealth, but he did warn that if handled incorrectly it could be a hindrance to the kingdom.

Jesus himself was chided for not living with enough austerity, by the Jewish religionists.

Jesus wore a seamless coat, which was the "expensive suit" of the day. So he would likely wear a costly tailored suit if he was here today.

Most Christians have never figured out what our relationship with money is supposed to be, and so end up having mixed and confusing feelings about it. This is neither healthy, nor efficient. I think it's time for a re-thinking of some of these things we've believed.

My point is not to completely defend everything Meyer does with her money. My point is that I'm not qualified to condemn her, given what I know for sure.