What material item(s) are you chasing after in this season?
Materialism is defined as “the preoccupation with material things rather than intellectual or spiritual things.” If a Christian is preoccupied with material things, it is definitely wrong. That is not to say we cannot have material things, but the obsession with acquiring and caring for “stuff” is a dangerous and slippery slope!
It is in fact sinful and displeasing to God when we fix our main focus on ascertaining material and/or ‘worldly things’. Our focus should be on what we are created, not to mention commanded to do and that is to “love the Lord, our God, with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). According to Jesus, this is first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38).
That being said, God is the only thing we can (and should) occupy ourselves with habitually. He alone is worthy of our complete attention, love and service. To offer these things to anything, or anyone, else is idolatry (sin).
You see, when we become consumed with the gaining of worldly possessions, we are easily drawn in by the “deceitfulness of wealth” (Mark 4:19), thinking that we will be happy, fulfilled, or content if only we had more of whatever it is we’re chasing. My brothers and sisters, this is a lie from the father of lies. The enemy wants us to be chasing after something he knows will never satisfy us so we will be kept from pursuing that which is the only thing that can satisfy—God Himself. Luke 16:13 tells us we “cannot serve both God and money.” We must seek to be content with what we have, and materialism is the exact opposite of that contentment. It causes us to strive for more and more and more, all the while telling us that this will be the answer to all our needs and dreams. The Bible tells us that a person’s “life is not in the abundance of the things which he possesses” (Luke 12:15) and that we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
So, if this message is knocking on your door today, know that you’re not alone. We have all dibbled and dabbled in pursuing world possessions. However, it’s not too late to shift your focus and attention. Think about this for a moment; if we chase after Jesus the way we chase after the things of this world, we would find the peace and fulfillment we so desperately need in our lives!
4GIVEN 