Get “The Glare” Lately?

You know the look.  The expression on someone’s face as they size up the car you pulled up in, the outfit you’re wearing, or the name brand on your kid’s shirt.  They’re silently comparing your house to theirs, or even worse, your housekeeping.

There’s a “hmm” or an  “ohhh” or a “hmmphh” and you know you are being judged.

I have come across too many people who will judge someone based on the type of car that they drive, how much they paid for their house, the label on their children’s clothing, and even the make of their motorcycle.

Nobody wants to be looked down upon.  And it hurts when someone treats you differently because of material things.  Especially when it’s someone you considered a friend.

I will admit there was a time in my life when I was too caught up in all my stuff.  I was a snob.  I wouldn’t even go in certain stores, only put my kids in a few select brands of clothing, and drove a head-turning car that I considered my “status symbol.” I praise God and Dave Ramsey that we were able to turn around and dig out of that cycle of materialism and consumer debt.

But the looks still sting.  I have to continually remind myself that we are on the right track and it doesn’t matter what other people think about my belongings.

The Bible says “When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways.” At some point we all have to grow up. I may not be there yet, and I may be heading there in a used car. But I’m glad I’m on my way.