If we are to regard the things of this world as so much trash (food, drink, money, etc.) then what is the God-approved way to enjoy our time on Earth? What is the correct way to acknowledge the good things that God has chosen to bestow?

    

Thanks,

Triforce777 -- 1st post on gracecentered.com

I have personally not given up clothing, food, or money. I do not allow them interfer with my love of God. I still enjoy God's creation, and knees not prohibiting me I would still do many things I did while younger. I am not in bondage, and have a freedom in Christ the world doesn't; in the world I was a slave to it.

The love of money more than putting Christ first is a problem for many, even to working themselves to death to store it up. The pursuit of anything that assorbs and controls our lives beyond reason can be wrong for us.

God has come to give me life, not death even though we have died with Him and have a new incorrupitible life with an uncorruptible seed that remains in us.

In Jesus' name - larry2

Very excellent question, Triforce! (I HAD to check out somebody named "triforce")

When I think "in all that you do, give glory to God."

Every created thing I've ever seen is subject to some kind of corruption from sin (some people lazily think they're completely safe with Christian-made stuff. Nope.), BUT, you can also see beauty in some things that reflect their creator (Paul mentions this in Romans).

So in principle, focusing on a truly good thing and enjoying properly, is enjoying a glimpse of God--so it is good to give God the glory for that and say, "praise the Lord, this thing is wonderful/useful."

So not glorifying the thing itself, but just thanking God that you can see some of his invisible qualities (or expressions) through that thing. And those things come and go, and so does our comfort, but believing in its higher origin or creator is what we call faith.

Trying to own things is another subject, but the enjoyment of things is proper in that light (whatever is pure, perfect, lovely, etc . . .)

Sure, yes.  A thing's value for us is based on its usefulness toward the Kingdom in some way. I've always felt like saying, "I don't 'own' things, I just use them."

As for me, Triforce, the most enjoyment I can get on this earth is doing the right thing for myself and my fellow man/woman.  One can pick a profession  that allows one to earn a living (to obtain necessities such as food, shelter, etc) while letting God lead us to try and be of service to and ease the suffering of others; and to help obtain equality for all.  As long as it's done without ulterior motives or for selfish greedy gain, we are doing a service to our community and to God. If a person does not have the formal background and/or education to accomplish these things for money; there are plenty of volunteer opportunities to accomplish many good deeds.  My belief is that in doing so, many wonderful things will be bestowed upon you in a vast variety of ways.  I speak from sincere experience.
Isabell

Right, the triforce of "power, courage, and wisdom."

That's definitely a good thing, the ability to see God from anyplace.