Materialism

Step back, today the scriptures we will be looking at will step on all our toes.  This world gives us a misconception of what we actually need.  Forgive the over stated quote, but "what we need and what we want are two very different things".  1 John 2:15-17 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."

Things, things, oh how I love things!  When do we stop and ask the question - are all these things bad?  On a scale of 1-10, where do we rate on our materialism?  What does God ask of us?  How do we ensure these things we so desire aren't creating either idolatry in our hearts or disobedience in our actions.  Have things, money or the love of these become too important to us?  Does the love of them cause us to step outside of what God's word tells us to do?  Does it effect the stewards God has called us to be?  When our lives become displeasing to our heavenly Father because of these things, it is then we need to step back and evaluate.  Luke 12:15 "Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

I think we have to start first with "how" important these things are to us.  We need to have our contentment in Christ - not in the things of this world.  If you sit around and worry because you don't have the treasures others have, you might want to take a hard look at what drives that emotion.  We are called to find our treasure in Christ - not things.  Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."   The marketing tactics of our world tells us something completely different.  From TV, Internet, Magazines, Billboards, etc. we are continually being told everything we NEED!  We have to shift our focus to our true need which is found by seeking God's will for our life.  Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Secondly, when we become so wrapped up in things for ourselves there isn't anything left over to help others. 1 John 3:17 "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? "  Also, when we continue to make purchases on credit so we can have these things - we spend our entire life trying to keep our bills paid.  This lifestyle doesn't free us up to serve Him.  We become a slave to the debtor.  Proverbs 22:7  "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."  I hate the thought of being a slave to banks, stores, etc.  I would much rather be a slave for Christ - serving Him.  Romans 6:18 "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."  When life = bills, we can't focus on doing as much for Christ.  We can't afford to give, go and serve Him. 

Materialism is a disease of our nation.  Be sure you can determine how infected you have become.  There is a cure - Hebrews 13:5  "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."