Anonymous writer, about an American tourist’s visit to the 19th century Polish rabbi, Hofetz Chaim: Astonished to see that the rabbi’s home was only a simple room filled with books, plus a table and a bench, the tourist asked, “Rabbi, where is your furniture?”"Where is yours?” replied the rabbi.”Mine?” asked the puzzled American. “But I’m a visitor here. I’m only passing through.” “So am I,” said Hofetz Chaim.
Materialism is wandering from object to object in a quest for happiness, but always ending up frustrated by un-fulfillment and repeated disappointments.
We live in a very materialistic society…
a. As evidenced in our popular culture (music, TV, etc.)
b. As expressed in the desire for an affluent lifestyle
35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Mark 8:35-36
Jesus wants us to choose to follow him rather than to lead a life of sin and self-satisfaction. He wants us to stop trying to control our own destiny and to let him direct us. This makes good sense because, as the creator, he knows better than we do what real life is all about.
Many people spend all their energy seeking pleasure Jesus said, however, that the world of pleasure, which is centered on possessions, position, or power, is ultimately worthless. What-ever you have on earth is only temporary. It cannot be exchanged for your soul. If you work hard at getting what you want. You might eventually have a “pleasurable” life, but in the end you will find it hollow and empty. Are you willing to make the pursuit of God more important than the selfish pursuit of pleasure? Follow Jesus, and you will know what it means to live life abundantly now and to have eternal life as well.
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? 1 John 3:17
Ive caught myself over the past few months saying things like, If only I had ___________ everything would be perfect.
Or I wish I could have what he has or what she has.
*New Car
*New Cellphone–And the funny part is Im already wanting a new cellphone. You can never keep up with the cell phone market these days. One day you’ll have the latest greatest, and the next day your phone is a has been.
*New Laptop
*New Clothes
I’ve had the privilege to be blessed with each of these new things over the past few months although I still have to same feeling of wanting more that I had when I didn’t have them.
The void that I felt without these things did not get filled when I acquired them. Although I am excited that I have new things. In the big picture it didnt change anything.
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.” Hebrews 13:5
WHY DO I ALWAYS WANT MORE?
̈ I wrongly believe that having more things will make me happier”
1. Things can bring temporary happiness.
2. Trying to find happiness in things is like drinking saltwater to quench my thirst.
As we think about this, let’s consider three popular myths:
Myth #1: Having more things equals more happiness.
Myth #2: Having more things equals more importance.
Myth #3: Having more things equals more security.
Materialism is an attitude which attaches to money and material goods more importance than they deserve. To go one step further, materialism is primarily a matter of reversed priorities.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Contentment could be defined as being satisfied with what I have right now. It doesn’t mean never wanting anything else, but it does mean learning to say, “I’m satisfied with what God has allowed me to have today.”
After all, what do we really need? Food, clothing, a place to sleep. As long as we have those, we’re covered. Paul makes the point that death is not the finish line, but it is the place we leave behind all our stuff. Why spend our lives dissatisfied, constantly chasing money and stuff, if we’re only going to dump it all on our way out the door into eternity?
For some of us, these are painful words. Our culture is geared toward the desire to get rich. Rapper 50 Cent got rich following the philosophy of “get rich or die trying.” For lots of people, it’s absolutely the most important thing in life. Even more people would list it among their top 5 priorities.
So what should you do if you’re a Christian and you do have it pretty good financially? Paul made a list:
• Don’t trust your money. It won’t satisfy your soul, and it can vanish quickly.
• Hope only in God. He is the source of everything.
• Remember, God likes to give you things you enjoy. Thank Him for what you’ve got.
• Be rich in what really counts—doing good for others.
• Give away your money; be ready to share when someone has a need.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Matthew 6:32-33 reads, “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the kingdom of God your primary concern.”
Jesus made it clear that living for personal gain will result in much anxiety. Materialism and worry are two enemies of spiritual growth. They work together to lead us away from balanced living. Know that the essence of life is not found in possessions and that worrying about the future is not good. Our heavenly Father will take care of us and provide for our needs. If you trust God, there is no need to worry about anything.
The Bible’s conclusion on materialism is summed up when Jesus said, “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). What’s the point? The point is simple. Materialism is the act of putting ourselves first.
The Bible points out that God honors those who honor Him. Christ put it another way when He said, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16). God does indeed want us to be content and lead a fulfilled life. He does not, however, want us to loose sight of the important, which is putting others and Himself first.
More importantly, God expects us to be good stewards of the resources He does give us. The Bible’s conclusion on materialism is stated clearly on the cross. It is a message of love, not greed. It is a message of purpose, not pride. The Bible’s conclusion on materialism is simple, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself” Luke 10:27
9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:9-10
