Materialism: The Love of Things

The pursuit of possessions can subtly capture our hearts, drawing us away from what truly matters. Understanding materialism through Scripture helps us recognize its dangers and embrace a countercultural perspective that values eternal treasures over temporary gains.

The Danger of Materialism

From the time Adam and Eve reached out to take hold of the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, humanity has continued to grab hold of things, being more interested in getting than giving, amassing than sharing (Gen 3:6). The world measures success by the number or quality of our possessions, yet the Bible warns that "a person's life does not consist in the abundance of their possessions" (Lk 12:15). Materialism creates a selfish attitude that will increase in the last days (2 Tim 3:1-5), drawing us away from God and toward vanity—a form of pride that feeds our self-image.

We often borrow to obtain and impress others with the latest model—even if we don't need it, use it, or even know how to operate it. The emphasis with materialism is always self-image, and advertising constantly tempts us with the message that we must have more. Yet Jesus clearly taught that we cannot serve two masters: "You cannot serve God and money" (Lk 16:13). The love of money is the root of all kinds of sin and can easily choke God out of our spiritual life (Mt 13:22; 1 Tim 6:6,9-10).

Love people and use things rather than loving things and using people

God's Perspective on Possessions

God primarily wants us to have a relationship with Himself, yet people frequently desire visible things in abundance. However, what we accumulate will not save us from hell—money cannot purchase salvation (Mk 8:35-37). Jesus told a parable of a rich man who only looked after his own needs, but soon lost it all and it accounted for nothing (Lk 12:16-21). This will be the ultimate experience of everyone who has selfish motives.

We came into the world with nothing and we will leave it all behind when we die, so we must not become attached to what is temporary (Job 1:21; Eccl 5:15; 1 Tim 6:7; Heb 13:5). The Bible's advice is clear: don't hoard treasure on earth, rather store up riches in heaven where they will last forever (Mt 6:19-21). Solomon had a mature perspective and asked for wisdom to govern honourably rather than wealth or a long life (1 Kgs 3:5-15, 4:29-34).

It is more blessed to give than to receive

Living with an Eternal Focus

A Christian's attitude should be generous towards the needs of others—sharing cheerfully this world's goods with them, not self-absorbed but focused towards others as Christ was (Lk 3:11; Act 4:32; 1 Tim 6:17-19; 1 Jn 3:16-17). Our focus should be to "seek first the Kingdom of God, and then He will provide what is necessary for us" (Mt 6:33; Phil 4:19; Jas 1:17). Every good and perfect gift comes from God, and godliness with contentment is a desirable character quality.

People can be too busy accumulating and looking after lots of belongings that they have no time for God or others. Some say, "I have all I need so I don't need Jesus," yet things will not save them. What can a person give in exchange for their soul? It is wise to invest in the Kingdom of God by using our faith to bless others, keeping our priorities aligned with eternal values rather than temporary pleasures.

Store up riches in heaven where they will last forever

Reflection and Application:

Examine your priorities—what do your spending habits reveal about what you truly value?
Consider one way you can practice generosity this week by sharing with someone in need
Reflect on whether you are serving God or money—what changes might be necessary?
Identify temporary treasures you are holding too tightly and ask God for an eternal perspective