Are We Living a Materialistic Lifestyle?
They had their fair share of problems, such as trying to fit in with the times, avoid being murdered by the Pharisees and the Saducees, avoiding highwaymen, and understanding the obligatory ‘where’s for dinner?’
Seriously, though, our society has definitely changed. It’s evolved, and while some areas have improved, such as medical science, home amenities and communication technology, I sometimes wonder if even the most devout of Christians get caught up in a materialistic lifestyle from time to time.
It’s hard not to find the latest Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren clothing attractive, and it’s difficult not to turn your head when a sleek new BMW rolls by. Walking through Walmart and looking at the latest gadgets in electronics can provide hours of fun.
Where, though, is all of this leading today’s generations, especially the younger ones? What messages are our kids receiving? Which do you think kids and teenagers are listening to more, the Word of Christ, or the words of the announcer on your television set? Which one do you think many of our younger generations are getting high on, Salvation or marijuana? Unfortunately, nowadays, it’s not just marijuana (which is bad enough), but designer drugs such as GHB, meth and cocaine. That’s for another story to follow shortly.
Materialistic things can interfere with our daily walk with the Lord. If you spend too much time flaunting your new Polo shirt or showing off the new rims on your pickup, you can lose sight of what’s important: your relationship with the Father, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I’m not preaching against buying the clothes you feel most comfortable in, or driving the vehicle you feel suits your needs and life. What I am concerned with, however, is the level that some people take the material side of life to.
First and foremost, we need to remember that without God, we wouldn’t have any of those cool, fun items we sometimes take for granted. We are allowed to have these things because God approves them for us. If he decided outright that we shouldn’t have them, we wouldn’t. I imagine that’s why I don’t live in a huge, stately mansion, and why I drive a 97 Toyota SUV, rather than the BMW 3 I sometimes wish I drove. At this stage in my life (and maybe for every stage in my life), God wants me to drive something less designer.
I have a nice wardrobe, and it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg (the joys of Goodwill). If I have to choose between going to the mall and spending $50 on a shirt, or going to the neighborhood thrift store and buying me and my son entire new wardrobes, the thrift store wins hands down. Again, that materialistic lifestyle interferes with our relationship with God, and in more than one way.
Another way I worry that it interferes with our spiritual life is the amount of money we spend on material things. Do we scrimp on helping others, and giving to the church (which ultimately helps others) so we can spend more on clothes, steak dinners, $100 fill-ups in our full-size SUV’s, a pack of cigarettes, the latest DVD? I hope not, but alas, that is the case in too many areas of society.
We’re told by the world that we need the designer clothes, we need the European sports cars, we need the stainless steel kitchen appliances (all matching), we need the fastest computer on the market that can wash our clothes, do the dishes and walk the dog. Next, it will think for us.
Really, for many of us, we need Jesus more than anything else. I wish that everyone felt that way, but with some people, there is no reasoning. I know that I need Jesus much more than I need the shiny new car, or the hip clothing, and the computer I’ve got gets the job done (you’re reading this article, right?).
I would rather spend quality quiet time studying my Bible and praying to my Lord, and doing things with my family, than prowling the malls and the ‘strip’ any day of the week. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy shopping on occasion, and I like to sometimes just take a drive and let my mind free roam. It’s great relaxation. Usually, though, when I’m free roaming, I’m free roaming with God. You can have some amazing talks with Him riding down the road in your vehicle.
I have learned to approach the world from a skeptics point of view. I have learned to watch TV with a ‘grain of salt’ as the old saying goes. I tune in to my favorite show, and I’ll have to listen to a million reasons why I need a million things. Some of the items I’ll probably buy, but most I won’t. The ones I do buy, most will be for necessity, not desire.
I’m not perfect. I occasionally find myself thinking a little too much about material things. However, I understand which is more important: my relationship with God. I may never own a fancy car, or live in a palatial estate. Even if I make $100,000 a year, I’d still rather buy my clothes at Goodwill than Macy’s. I just feel guilty spending that kind of cash when I see people around me struggling to eat and keep a roof over their heads. Besides, God has promised us the basics, such as food and clothing. He didn’t promise a steak dinner every time we want one, and he never promised us the latest, greatest new form of automobile.
I think all of us need a little more Jesus, a little less Hollywood and a new perspective on the material things of this world. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can take nothing out.” – 1 Timothy 6:7.
Matthew 6:19-21 further explains that we should not lay up treasures for ourselves on Earth, where the treasures can rot and rust away, but to lay up treasures in Heaven, for where our treasure is, there also our heart will be.
We should all ask ourselves: where are our hearts?
