I was rummaging around in my files the other day when I found an old notebook from my college days. It was an old journal I used for bible studies, journal entries, prayer requests and answers, and other random thoughts. I could give you all sorts of stories of what I was thinking during my college days - and maybe one day I will. The first entry I had written was called "Materialism" and was dated 9/3/90. In it, I debated with myself if people living now had a harder time accepting Jesus because of all the technological advances and having plenty in America compared to other countries and other times. I came to the conclusion that we were building a bigger reliance on our accomplishments instead of God. Almost 24 years later, I have become even more certain of it.
First, let me say money is not inherently evil. It never mentions that in the bible. It is OK to be wealthy, make money, and have nice things. The bible stresses the love of money and greed are the issues. Not, if you have wealth. Jesus mentions this several times in the Gospels and Paul states in his letters to the church.
Jesus says in Luke 12:15, "Watch out!! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed: life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Jesus by yelling "Watch out!!" is treating this like you've just walked in front of a bus, or something is about to fall on you, or a wild animal is about to attack. In a sense, it is like those situations. This is serious and Jesus is pointing it out.
Where does our comfort lie? Do we worry about our finances? How much is our salary? Our job security and status? Do we have the same nice things as our neighbors?
We all get that way in our lives. I struggles with my finances, mostly when an unexpected expense crops up. It's not like we are going broke, but my heart jumps when something happens. My faith does rely on my possessions at times. Our culture inundates us with images that we need the newest clothes, the finest foods, the fanciest cars, and the biggest house. We are in a competition with our neighbors and how we win by having the best toys. If we can't keep up with the Joneses, what does that say about us? We equate our value with what we own. (By the way I know a Jones family and they're nothing like how society portrays them. They're pretty cool people)
What if we got everything we wanted? We had more money than we could ever spend? We owned the nicest and biggest house? We had the nicest cars? We wore the finest clothes and ate the finest of foods? We were the most popular and well-loved by everyone we encountered. Sounds like a fun life, doesn't it? But, let me ask you this question:
"If you had all that, would you be content?"
I believe if we dug deep in our hearts that we would answer "no". Maybe a few of us wouldn't - but I am going to be honest and say I think I would look at what I didn't have and not be as thankful as I should. I look at the world around us and see millionaires and billionaires complaining about their lives. So, I know the path to contentment is not in that direction.
This is not to bash anyone. I'm not saying its wrong to have nice stuff. It's not wrong to want to have security and stability for our families. We have been given gifts and a brain to use wisely. We use those skills in our jobs and maybe we end up where we can live comfortably financially. I am not condemning that. In fact, I am not condemning at all.
I will say, though, putting our faith in our wealth and possessions will be temporary and eventually self-destructive. You will never be content or satisfied if you rely on that.
What God is calling us to is so much bigger than what our possessions can provide. In Hebrews 13:5 it says "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.'"
God provides what we have and what we need. Whatever we have so far received in our lives has been a gift from God. Therefore, we need to be thankful to Him for all that we have. God has blessed us (esp. in this country) - not for our own personal gain or because we are good, but to help bless others. We are not called to store up earthly possessions, but heavenly ones. I hate to break this to any of you, but you are not taking your bank account or house with you to heaven. Jesus adds "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
Let's use our common sense. How much is enough for people? Is it that important to have all the nicest toys?
Where is your treasure?
Where is your heart at?
The Lord will provide. I believe that in my head, I really do.
Does my life show that?
Do I really trust that God will really provide?
We live in a world where materialism reigns (at least in this country, I cant speak for other countries not having been there). The question is do we want to blend in with that or worship who truly reigns? Where our treasure is, that's where our heart will be. Very true words.
First, let me say money is not inherently evil. It never mentions that in the bible. It is OK to be wealthy, make money, and have nice things. The bible stresses the love of money and greed are the issues. Not, if you have wealth. Jesus mentions this several times in the Gospels and Paul states in his letters to the church.
Jesus says in Luke 12:15, "Watch out!! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed: life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Jesus by yelling "Watch out!!" is treating this like you've just walked in front of a bus, or something is about to fall on you, or a wild animal is about to attack. In a sense, it is like those situations. This is serious and Jesus is pointing it out.
Where does our comfort lie? Do we worry about our finances? How much is our salary? Our job security and status? Do we have the same nice things as our neighbors?
We all get that way in our lives. I struggles with my finances, mostly when an unexpected expense crops up. It's not like we are going broke, but my heart jumps when something happens. My faith does rely on my possessions at times. Our culture inundates us with images that we need the newest clothes, the finest foods, the fanciest cars, and the biggest house. We are in a competition with our neighbors and how we win by having the best toys. If we can't keep up with the Joneses, what does that say about us? We equate our value with what we own. (By the way I know a Jones family and they're nothing like how society portrays them. They're pretty cool people)
What if we got everything we wanted? We had more money than we could ever spend? We owned the nicest and biggest house? We had the nicest cars? We wore the finest clothes and ate the finest of foods? We were the most popular and well-loved by everyone we encountered. Sounds like a fun life, doesn't it? But, let me ask you this question:
"If you had all that, would you be content?"
I believe if we dug deep in our hearts that we would answer "no". Maybe a few of us wouldn't - but I am going to be honest and say I think I would look at what I didn't have and not be as thankful as I should. I look at the world around us and see millionaires and billionaires complaining about their lives. So, I know the path to contentment is not in that direction.
This is not to bash anyone. I'm not saying its wrong to have nice stuff. It's not wrong to want to have security and stability for our families. We have been given gifts and a brain to use wisely. We use those skills in our jobs and maybe we end up where we can live comfortably financially. I am not condemning that. In fact, I am not condemning at all.
I will say, though, putting our faith in our wealth and possessions will be temporary and eventually self-destructive. You will never be content or satisfied if you rely on that.
What God is calling us to is so much bigger than what our possessions can provide. In Hebrews 13:5 it says "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.'"
God provides what we have and what we need. Whatever we have so far received in our lives has been a gift from God. Therefore, we need to be thankful to Him for all that we have. God has blessed us (esp. in this country) - not for our own personal gain or because we are good, but to help bless others. We are not called to store up earthly possessions, but heavenly ones. I hate to break this to any of you, but you are not taking your bank account or house with you to heaven. Jesus adds "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
Let's use our common sense. How much is enough for people? Is it that important to have all the nicest toys?
Where is your treasure?
Where is your heart at?
The Lord will provide. I believe that in my head, I really do.
Does my life show that?
Do I really trust that God will really provide?
We live in a world where materialism reigns (at least in this country, I cant speak for other countries not having been there). The question is do we want to blend in with that or worship who truly reigns? Where our treasure is, that's where our heart will be. Very true words.
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