“Keeping up with the Joneses,” is a term that is very interesting, a very currently applicable and pertinent concept, and a most interesting thing for us to mull over, for us to contemplate, for it basically means that you want to own the same expensive objects, and to be doing the same things as your friends and neighbours, because you are worried about seeming less socially important than they are. Once afflicted by this ailment, you have to buy the latest and the greatest in clothing, cars, holidays, bigger and more opulent houses, the very latest in appliances, even a ‘Holiday Home,’ classy Cruise Liner Holidays, or even a yacht, a power boat, luxury caravan or motor home, numerous “Toys” in the shed, of being official members in exclusive clubs and associations, to be seen at the cultural events, to be noticed at the Ballet, Opera, Orchestral Events, one has to be seen on the ‘Red Carpet,’ as status is critical, even if they are Mortgaged to the maximum, and even when the Bank owns everything, one must still be seen to have achieved this prestigious and affluent status, far distancing themselves from the lowly and ‘common man,’ just put this purchase on the ‘Credit Card,’ add this purchase to the ‘Mortgage.’ But the wise will always reply, “But I am the Joneses,” for I just keep up with right where I am, and what I can afford, I do not copy or aspire to any other status, I just keep up with me, what I can actually and happily afford, happy with the simple things, things I already own just happy to be working towards my own future goals, in my own time, and as I can afford them, what I already own is more critical to me, than what is on display in the shops for sale, we just mortgage as minimal as possible.
To play on a ‘Spiritual Concept,’ I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, I follow him, I aspire to be more like him every day, and in every way, in all my thoughts, deeds, and actions, pure and uplifting speech and behaviour, Jesus is “The Joneses,” therefore I am keeping up with him thus I can safely say, “I am the Joneses.” Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Quote; “In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the single-hearted purpose that should characterize the Christian race for eternal life: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2. Envy, malice, evil speaking, covetousness—these are weights that the Christian must lay aside, if he would run successfully the race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings dishonour upon Christ, must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. The blessings of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal principles of right. One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others.” {AA 312}
Quote; “The softening, subduing influence of the Spirit of God upon human hearts and minds will make the true children of God sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus . . . There will be a soft, subduing spirit in all those who are looking unto Jesus. The love of Jesus always leads to Christian courtesy, refinement of language, and purity of expression that testify to the company we are with – that like Enoch we are walking with God. There is no storming, no harshness, but a sweet fragrance in speech and in spirit. The Word is to our study. Here is a mine of precious ore. Much of it has been glimpsed, but there is digging to be done to secure more precious treasures. There have been many who have just rummages over the surface, in a most careless, slovenly manner, when others are searching more carefully, prayerfully, and perseveringly, and uncovering hidden, inestimable treasures, there to be found. Do not let anyone’s speeches, or thoughts that are revealed in actions, affect you in any way. You want an abiding Christ. He loves you. He has drawn you by the cords of his love. Let it be seen that your life is hid with Christ in God. Let the be no hasty speech, no cheap words, no slang phrases. Let it be demonstrated that you are conscious of a Companion, whom you honour, and that you will not make Him ashamed of you. Only think, dear children, we are representatives of Jesus Christ! Then let us represent his character in words, in deportment, that others may see and understand your good works and glorify God.” {CTr 45} Always make Jesus your Joneses, and then keep up him, pattern your life after him and live as a Christian, a perfect representation of God.
The love of Jesus always leads to Christian courtesy, refinement of language, and purity of expression that testify to the company we are with – that like Enoch, we are walking with God, let us always be “Keeping up with the Joneses,” Jesus is “The Joneses,” so I keep up with him, thus I can proudly say as Jesus and I are one, harmoniously, thus I can always say, “I am the Joneses,” but who are you patterning your life after, who are you passionately following? 1 Peter 3:2-4 “while they behold your chaste conversation [coupled] with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” Quote; “It is a solemn thing to die, but a far more solemn thing to live. Every thought and word and deed of our lives will meet us again. What we make of ourselves in probationary time, that we must remain to all eternity. Death brings dissolution to the body, but makes no change to the character. The coming of Christ does not change our characters; it only fixes them forever beyond all change.” {5T 466} So then, are you “Keeping up with the Earthly Joneses,” or are you modelling, moulding, patterning your life after the Heavenly, Jesus Christ, and can clearly state, “I am the Joneses.”
