While having coffee with a friend this morning, we found ourselves discussing what I believe is likely the most effective trap of Satan in our lives; materialism. What is materialism?ma⋅te⋅ri⋅al⋅ism
i
(muh-teer-ee-uh-liz-uhm) –noun
Preoccupation with or emphasis on material objects, comforts, and considerations, with a disinterest in or rejection of spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values.
That definition is such a clear example of what is happening in our culture today......and in the lives of Christians today! We have become focused on getting, having, and acquiring while becoming uninterested in spiritual things; or more plainly, the Bible and our commitment to God comes in 2nd place. If you were asked to list the top 10 things (possessions) you want, it would only take you 30 seconds to make that list. We have become ADDICTED to materialism!!!
Why aren't most so-called Christians serving in a ministry, tithing regularly, reading their Bible & praying regularly, faithful in attendance, etc.? Because we are working overtime to pay for all the stuff we have OR saving to buy the stuff we want. Many don't think they can tithe because they live paycheck to paycheck, not because they are poor, but because they're spending everything they have to get what they want. We don't serve because of our selfish materialistic mindsets. Basically we've decided we want it our way instead of God's way. Jesus knew this was going to happen. That's why he said to seek first the kingdom of God, then all the other things would be given to us (Matt. 6:33). How simple; love God, serve God, obey God, want God more than anything else. If we do that, God will provide everything we need. Just think, you are wasting your life chasing after stuff that God said would be the natural byproduct of wanting him more than anything. This is the trap Satan sets for us in America especially. As you consider these thoughts this week, think about some of these quotes.
It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly. --Thoreau
There is something perverse about more than enough. When we have more, it is never enough. It is always somewhere out there, just out of reach. The more we acquire, the more elusive enough becomes. – Unknown
Lust is all GET—Love is all GIVE. –Unknown
You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. - Charles Spurgeon
Materialism is the only form of distraction from true bliss. - Doug Horton
The best things in life aren't things. - Art Buchwald
The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. - Jesus
0 comments:
Post a Comment