In being a visitor to certain parts of Orange County you canʻt help but notice the affluence. (In a good way.) The area is well planned with lots of green space, spectacular glass buildings and a sea breeze. Masterpieces of the automobile industry casually motor through the streets as if they are as much at home as the people. Of these, beyond the freshest Jags and shiniest Hummers, rolls the quiet lordship of the Bentley. I exchanged a glance with one such car in a "passing in the hallway" sort of way. Though she glided, I merely walked. There was no noise. I think it was floating. As I ogled the passing car I noticed a silver and iconic "Christian Fish" graced the backside.

I couldnʻt help but smile at the dichotomy of a $300K car and what I know of Jesus traveling together. I didnʻt judge. The only difference between a Bentley and a pair of True Religion jeans are the zeros. There will always be some who have more, thatʻs not the issue. The issue is how those of us who have more should live.

In II Cor. 8 Paul addresses giving in this way, ^12-14 "Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need."

We all need personal consumption guidelines. Ways of keeping the balance. Creating more space to give. From cars and jeans to purses and pets, how much is too much?

Is your life reflecting a move toward equality or furthering disparity?