Doors to the Soul

(Proverbs 17:19 KJV)  He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

One of the routes I drive to work takes me through a community that has been targeted by the Chinese who are flocking to Southern California.  They are buying the already large homes in the area, tearing them down and building what we call “Chinese Mansions”.  They are beautiful houses but have certain things in common.  They are all at least two stories and seem to have expansive entryways that extend from foundation to roof.  I have never been inside one but that is what it looks like from the outside.  They have “raised” (1361b) their “doors” (6607), so to speak.

The architecture cries out to the world, “I am wealthy and I want you to know it.”  It is an invitation to the criminal element.  I trust they have good security systems. 

We can do this kind of thing in our lives.  It can be literal.  We can be expressing through our dress, cars or other purchases that we are doing quite well, thank you.  It can be figurative.  We can have attitudes or ways of talking that try to tell people we are really something.  Either way it is the kind of demonstration that will lead to problems. 

So?  There is nothing wrong with wealth if it is honestly gained and managed with stewardship.  Some are smarter than others.  Some are more talented.  Use those things for the glory of God, not for your personal reputation.  I can’t tell you what kind of car to drive.  That would be arrogance on my part.  I can accept that you might need a Tesla.  The question is, “Will God accept that as a need or a raised door?”  Of course the same could be said of attempts to show a false humility also.