Materialism

We started the study last night and had an awesome time! 16 total were there and I believe the Lord showed up as well!

In a recent study, researchers determined that self-esteem was a key factor in a child's level of materialism. Children with lower self-esteem valued possessions significantly more than children with higher self-esteem. Moreover, the heightened materialistic values of early adolescents were directly related to "a severe drop in self-esteem that occurs around 12-13 years of age." Also, Forbes just came out with the top 400 richest people in the world. Now, you have to be at least a billionaire to even make the list! Our world has become so deeply fascinated in the wealth and riches that one can acquire. But what does scripture say about possessing just earthly goods or people?

Matthew 6:19-34 talks about how earthly possessions can be destroyed so quickly but to lay up for yourselves heavenly treasures. This act of aspiring God instead of world will show us were our hearts are. It talks about how you can not serve 2 masters. We can not love God whole-heartledy and still cling to the love of wanting things.

What are you seeking? Something temporal? Food, clothing? Jesus says he knows we need these things so worrying about them only diverts our time and energy away from seeking a deeper relationship with Him. Jesus modeled being a servant by taking care of people’s personal needs. This takes times. Why spend more time working longer hours to make more money to buy something useless when you could spend those hours meeting a friends/familys needs? “Consider first the kingdom”

He gives us one request and then a promise."Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you"
He will add to our Kingdom-seeking our personal wants
He will quench our spiritual thirst and our personal thirst

Think about the time you trade for money…what did you buy in the last 6 months? Where is it today? Was it worth the time you traded? The thrill and joy of "possessions" can be broken down into two parts: getting and having. Part of the fun is in acquiring. We also enjoy ownership. Whatever it is that we long for, we want to get it and call it ours. We could call it "energy toward ownership" But if it isn’t God that we are possessing, the Bible calls it coveting.

In one sense, the longing to possess is very selfish. Some people steal and hurt others to try and satisfy their desire. Coveting is sin when it is directed toward earthly things or other people. But in another sense, your desire to both "get" and to "have" is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. It is by God’s purposeful design that we have the desire to acquire and possess. Think about how your life and attitude could totally change if you begin to desire to "get and to have" God. Possess Him as your own! He tells us in Isaiah 57:13 "When thou criest, let thy companies (idols) deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain" How awesome that God tells we can take refuge in Him and possess the very mountain He is on!

When it comes down to it, I know that the promises of the mall, advertisements and Hollywood are false, because I've been given another set of promises: God's promises. The former things tell me new clothes can make me more attractive, more stuff can make me popular and acceptable to others. But God promises me that I'm His wonderful creation. Psalm 139:14 claims "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well" Nothing I buy can improve on what He's created.

God promises me an abundant life (John 10:10), the best life possible. Eternal life. So where will you put your trust? Where will you find your value?

Once you begin to truly want the desires God has for you, you will see Him give genrously above and beyond what you could ever imagine!