A discussion about an economy of an affluent society

I know where you're going with this. Actually, I sometimes have trouble telling what I "need" and what I "want". Even though I refrain from buying things, you will no doubt be able to point out many things in my house that I don't "need".It's a grey area.I decide on if I'm going to buy something by thinking about how many times I will be needing to use it and if I could get something cheaper that essentially does the same job. For example, a 55-70 gallon fish tank costs somewhere between 400 to 500 US dollars in my local pet store. I got one of my 55 gallon tank from a garage sale for 10. But the main point is there's no doubt that I don't "need" that fish tank (and I have 4 around my house containing hundreds of fish). The total amount I spent on the tanks and the fish is probably less than 100 over a spand of 3 or so years. It seems to entertain me well enough.Sorry, I'm rambling again.

it's simple, really. needs are the most basic things. wants are the extra frills for luxury.needs:
food
water
shelter (including clothing)(depends on environment, but generally, you need these)wants:
car
bike
tv
fish (for enjoyment, not as food)
pets
huge house
expensive clothing
soda
music
the list goes on

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My situation is problem different than yours.Sometimes I look around at all that I have, and say, how much if it do I need? What shold I be doing with my money? Should I be helping the needy more than I already do?Jesus said we are to give up everything to follow Him. I think that can be taken a few different ways. For instance, if I lost everything tomorrow, I might be a little sad, but it really doesn't matter that much to me, for I can always start over. What is most important to me, is how I live my life, and relate to others. Family, friends,...etc.On the other hand, I buy things like computers, and radio control planes. I don't have to have the latest and greatest, I use my talents to get the things I need. Where someone might spend $3,000 on a rowboat and gas motor, I found one in the scrap yard, and refinished it, then purchased an antique outboard and worked on that, and maybe I have $350 into the whole thing.Everything I do, and have, I thank the Lord for. I even use my radio control planes as a small group for the church, and we build planes together, and I can share the gospel, and build relationships with people, where I can care for them. We always have a lot of fun.What's the big deal really if you buy uneccessary things? You only live once, and you can't take it with you. As long as you are doing everything else in your life right, and you consider yourself righteous, then go ahead. Buying things like a new computer can be a great outlet for yourself, and bring many hours of enjoyment. This should techincally ease your mind, and make you a better person. I'm not saying you have the best of the best, but really putting a zip drive in a brand new computer is not a good idea. You will waste more time struggling with old technology, just to save a few bucks? And get aggravated? Over what?I am a gamer too, and I loved the nintendo games. I still have mine, and we pull it out once and a while. But the new games blow those games away, and playing online is the ultimate challenge. I am/was an international gaming champion. I even managed to talk to people online about God. I have been a gamer since pong, I think I always will be. But I must take care of my responsibilities towards others first, before I go out and buy a new video card.Hopefully this puts it into a better perspective.ABE, I guess what I am really trying to say, is to not to rely on material things, or worship them. But it's ok to have them.Edited by riVeRraT, : No reason given.