Living a simple life is much more important than living a life full of extravagance. A simpler life can lead to a life of contentment and happiness, like my family's, or a life of greed and envy, like Pahóm's. Growing up in a small rural area, excessive belongings are rare. Regardless of how much money my parents made, we were always happy because we had each other. I grew up in a strong Christian family which greatly influenced my views on Tolstoy's short story. The Bible refers many times to greed and a materialistic focus. In Exodus chapter 20, Moses was given the Ten Commandments so that the people could live a life with a closer relationship with God. The second commandment reads: “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above, nor here upon the earth, nor in the waters beneath” (The Teen Study Bible: New International Version 92-93). God gave Moses this law so that the people would keep God at the center of their attention. When Christ is the center of our life, the focus on how we live our life is turned inward to please God, rather than inward to please ourselves. The Tenth Commandment instructs followers of Christ not to covet the goods of others. When you live a fulfilling Christian life, God will provide in every circumstance, so there is no need to be envious of another. Job exemplifies a