Materialism

<<love of things>>

The world measures success by the number or quality of our possessions and accumulating them frequently leads to materialism.

From the time Adam and Eve reached out to take hold of the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, humanity has continued to grab hold of things, being more interested in getting than giving, amassing than sharing. However, the Bible says, “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Act 20:35). Our focus should be to “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and then He will provide what is necessary for us...every good and perfect gift comes from God” (Mt 6:33; Phil 4:19; Jas 1:17). What priorities do I need to look at? Resist the temptation to be captivated by advertising that says ‘you must have this’ for the real meaning of life is more important than things for “A person’s life does not consist in the abundance of their possessions” (Mt 6:25-32; Lk 12:15; 1 Tim 6:8). The Bible says, Godliness with contentment is a desirable character quality yet warns, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of sin” and can easily choke God out our spiritual life (Mt 13:22; 1 Tim 6:6,9,10).

God primarily wants us to have a relationship with Himself, but people frequently desire visible things, and often in abundance. We even borrow to obtain and impress our friends with the latest model – even if we don’t need it, use it, or even know how to operate it. The emphasis with materialism is always self-image, a selfish attitude that will increase in the last days (2 Tim 3:1-5). Vanity is a form of pride that always draws away from God.

People can be too busy accumulating and looking after lots of belongings that they have no time for God or others.

Some people say, I have all I need so I don’t need Jesus. However, things will not save them from hell, as money is unable to purchase salvation. What can a person give in exchange for their soul? (Mk 8:35-37). Jesus told a parable of a rich man, who only looked after his own needs, but soon lost it all and it accounted for nothing. This will be the ultimate experience of everyone who has selfish motives (Lk 12:16-21). The Bible’s advice is don’t hoard treasure on earth, rather store up riches in heaven where they will last forever (Mt 6:19-21). Solomon had a mature pespective and asked for wisdom rather than wealth or a long life (1 Kgs 3:5-15, 4:29-34).

A Christian’s attitude should be generous towards the needs of others sharing cheerfully this world’s goods with them, not self-absorbed but focused towards others as Christ was (Lk 3:11; Act 4:32; 1 Tim 6:17-19; 1 Jn 3:16,17). Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve God and money” (Lk 16:13). So it is wise to invest in the Kingdom of God by using our faith to bless others.

Love people and use things rather than loving things and using people

We came into the world with nothing and we will leave it all behind when we die, so don’t become attached to what is temporary (Job 1:21; Eccl 5:15; 1 Tim 6:7; Heb 13:5).