True but incomplete

I've been reminded recently that there is no virtue inherent in poverty. That is to say that pursuit of poverty can lead to a sense of self-righteousness. We can become proud of our lowly estate and begin to think that we have reached a plain of higher holiness than the world around us.

It is with that in mind that we must remind ourselves while considering material possessions - it must be with the mind of Christ that we consider the things we have. It is not merely a mimicking of his actions which leads to joyful giving, it is a right attitude toward the kingdom that can produce only humility and gratitude. There is no place for pride when the things I give are not really mine to begin with. When everything is named properly as to its owner, the giver becomes merely the steward.