And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

The headline caught my attention: “Wealthy Plan to Shun Materialism.” I was drawn to the article that went on to say that wealthy shoppers, according to a recent survey, plan to refrain from scooping up expensive handbags, shoes and other discretionary items, even as the economy recovers.

The rich say they will reign in their spending of material things and seek out experiences that may garner more satisfaction. The study found that people are less interested in expensive personal items and more interested in building “lasting memories.” Apparently luxury goods and services are considered less important in today’s economy. Pricy designer items seem to have lost some of their appeal.

The road they are travelling is nothing new. It has been in the Bible for years. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have. Hebrews 13:5.

There are many verses warning about materialism, but they are summed up in five major conclusions:

1. It is idolatry. Materialism puts something other than God as an idol to be worshiped. Materialists make sacrifices to their idols in terms of time, money, energy and passion.

2. It is all consuming. A person who obsesses about owning possessions will become too consumed with pursuing it that they will neglect more important matters in life.

3. It is counter-productive. The whole point of materialism is supposed to bring happiness by possessing, but in the end it only causes deeper and greater unhappiness because it produces only temporary bouts of superficial elation, much like a sugar or caffeine high. There’s always a crash.

4. It is unsatisfying. There is never enough. Having wealth or being rich is not a sin, but putting it above God is.

5. It is ultimately futile. In the end, everyone is going to die. When they do, all the money, possessions, education and whatever else they have accumulated will be left here on earth, regardless of where they ultimately go. The Rembrandt painting will stay on the wall. So will the collection of rare coins or the library of first editions. But, most importantly, none of these will be there for eternity. Everything material will be destroyed.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.

Question: Have you considered these points and evaluated your priorities?

by John Grant
Used by Permission

John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney.

FURTHER READING

• Owned or Loaned?
• What Is Your Idol?
• Back to the Basics

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The post Shunning Materialism appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14

It is a word we hear often … in athletics, entertainment and there is even a television show dedicated to it. I refer to the word “idol.” The dictionary defines it as an image used as an object of worship, a false god, or one that is adored, often blindly or excessively.

Any object that becomes a focus of our lives can become our idol. Some things we may think are spiritually neutral really are not. Even things morally neutral, like our career, a sport or any passion other than for God can be our idol. Anything can become demonic when it gains first place in our life.

What is gaining first place in your life? If it is anything other than Jesus then you need to run from it, for it can lead you into dangerous territory. We are a fool to play with temptation, as none of us are strong enough to overcome sin on our own.

God wants to be first place in my life and that requires me to not let anything, even though good in its own right, to get between God and me. How serious are we to make God first? Are we willing to lay down our lives and good fortunes to lead our enemies to Christ? Do I do what is best for me rather than what is best for others?

How do I demonstrate that God is first in my life? I do it by being where I can best serve to the glory of God and I am closest to Jesus when I am selflessly serving others. Worshiping God is vertical. Serving others is horizontal.

Paul had some good advice to the Philippians when he said: “Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. Don’t do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves, and look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” Philippians 2:1-4, (GNT)

Be careful of what you focus on, because your focus becomes your idol. Focus on having the mind of Christ and do as he would do and see what joy comes into your life. Idols are often soon forgotten, but life with Christ is forever.

Question: What do you think are the most common idols in today’s society? How can a person seek to avoid these idols?

by John Grant
used by permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney.

FURTHER READING

• Which Wolf are you Feeding?
• I-Dolatry
• Shunning Materialism

The post What Is Your Idol? appeared first on Thoughts About God.