Watch Big Ticket Purchases. When you are just dying to buy a big ticket item watch out. It's interesting how some things lose their initial luster under such close examination. I am not calling us all to a life of pain and suffering. Neither am I saying that a life of self denial will somehow make you godly.
Christians are to be joyous celebrants as well as mourners and sufferers.
If someone gives you something nice, enjoy it. If you've got a nice house, enjoy it. If God sends you a power boat take it, then take a friend water skiing. When God serves you the fatted calf, eat what's set before you. Please don't get the anti-materialism message mixed up with asceticism.