Man's Obsession for Material Things
Are we becoming more and more dependent on the need to have
things? The answer to that is yes we have become so hypnotized
by the belief that material things are the source of true
satisfaction. However, this is an empty and dehumanizing way
of life in which things become more important than people,
beauty more desired than virtue, power more respected than
character, and status more prestigious than integrity. Consequently,
we find ourselves foolishly pursuing the very things that
God has said make being close to Him, more difficult and sometimes
impossible.
Although most of us do enjoy some added pleasures to our
lives above and beyond our basic needs, we must ask ourselves
one important question-do they control us? Let’s be
honest, we all love material things. At least most of us
do, even if we can only dream about having them. And it
seems once we begin to get a taste of them, even with one
little item, we want more. Yesterday’s luxury becomes
today’s frill and tomorrow’s necessity; no matter
what level we’re at, we want something better.
The main problem is the obvious; we never seem to have
enough. When a person becomes a millionaire, he soon finds
himself wanting to become a billionaire. On a lesser level,
others have their hearts set on obtaining larger houses,
finer automobiles, additional income, more power, and more
prestige. Instead of rejoicing and being thankful for what
God has given them or allowed them to accomplish, they become
consumed with a desire for still more and believe that they
need it to be happy. The result is bondage.
How tragically empty are riches and possessions! Perhaps
you have had the experience of wanting something for a long
time. Maybe it was a car or a house or something less-but
you desired to have it so much that it was all you could
think about. You saved for it, planned for it, hoped for
it, and dreamed about it. But when you finally got it, after
a time you found it to be disappointingly unfulfilling.
On the other hand, some have fallen prey to the notion
that self-deprivation is the quickest and easiest path to
spirituality. Such reasoning is equally fallacious and can
result in a lifetime of despair and bewilderment.
Those who center their thoughts on the temporal, as well
as those who refuse to acknowledge that material possessions
should occupy a place in one’s life, cannot be truly
satisfied. And neither group is truly wealthy, no matter
how much or how little they have.
Scripture is consistent in its teaching that the love of
money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). However,
this passage is often misquoted and misapplied. Please notice
that it does not say that money is the root of all evil.
Rather, it is the love of money-the placing of material
things above the more important things in life-that brings
the piercing of oneself through with many sorrows. God can,
and often does, reward our faithfulness to Him and His service
with material blessings.
Upon his appointment as King of Israel, Solomon asked God
for an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may
discern between good and bad (1 Kings 3:9). Because he sought
the Lord and others before himself, God not only granted
Solomon’s request but also added, I have also given
thee that which thou has not asked, both riches, and honor
(v. 13).
Likewise, Job, who suffered great losses, trials, and pain,
remained faithful to God, and ...the Lord blessed the latter
end of Job more than his beginning (Job 42:12).
Certainly, Godliness with contentment is great gain (1
Timothy 6:6), and as we have clearly seen, it is not how
much one possesses that makes him great in God’s eyes
and satisfied in life. To the contrary, it is whether or
not he allows his possessions to possess him! Those who
are truly wealthy are those who have discovered the spiritual
riches and deep satisfaction that comes through a life of
surrender to God.
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