on the use of money as a christian

ever since becoming a full time worker and earning the wages of a full time worker, i've wondered about the proper use of money as a christian.

some obvious and well known pointers are :

1) do not worry about money
2) you have a right to spend your money
3) God allows you to enjoy good things
4) God wants you to be generous with your money
5) God wants you to help the poor
6) we are a steward of God's money.

The difficulty i have is with how to balance enjoying money(luxury) and giving it away.  I do not have a problem with giving money, but i often feel uncomfortable buying luxury items while i know that there are suffering people not only in the world, but in the communities i am a part of (primarily church - but also family, friends, etc.)

recently we gave $500 to a family member who was in urgent need of a car. the person used the $500 and some other money to put a down payment on a leased car.  When i saw her with the new car - smiling, glowing - i felt that that was the best $500 i ever used.

in instances like this, i feel like i should turn from every luxurious purchase and stick only to the necessities of life. but at the same time, i WANT some luxury.  I try to persuade myself that by being generous over keeping money for myself, i will be more handsomely rewarded in heaven.  however, i WANT that nice item.. is that want a greed? certainly that item is not a necessity..

there is a saying it is better to give than to receive.

what does that exactly mean? better for the giver? or the recipient? or everyone?

to give is a to parttake in the generosity of God, in his care for those less fortunate.