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Materialism: What It Is & How to Escape It
One of the greatest threats to our walk with God is the trap of materialism. We have to work at not being lured away from Him when we spend our money to meet our own desires. Why? Because affluence tends to blind us to the needs of others.
At first glance, the scriptural warnings about riches and their dangers might suggest that we should avoid all luxuries. But that’s simply not true. God does not prohibit us from enjoying the benefits of this world; after all, they are His.
Instead, we are supposed to avoid entangling ourselves. If we do get entangled in our desires, we are no longer able to fulfil our primary purpose – to glorify God. The affluence of life in New Zealand is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, our prosperity has made life much easier and has freed a great deal of money to spread God’s Word. On the other hand, earning and then spending our wealth requires a great deal of our time and attention.
God warned the Israelites that they would be tempted to forget Him when they experience financial prosperity:
“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.
You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8:10-11, 17-18)
Avoiding Materialism
The good news is, there is a proven methodology to combat the grip of materialism – regular, generous, sacrificial giving.
Giving our way of acknowledging that God is the owner and provider of all we have. We recognise that we are stewards of all that God has given us. Giving is described in the Bible as a practice that will bring overwhelming blessings to our lives.
Jesus said, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
He also said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
Giving propels us into a freedom found in exercising faith, believing God will use our gifts and supply our need. Being generous is about more than just giving away money.
That means your time, your skills and talents, your listening ear, encouragement for others, and your money are all powerful tools that God is eager for you to give generously to others. Generosity furthers the Kingdom.
When we begin to think like managers instead of owners, we enjoy and are grateful for all God provides. We recognize that we are blessed to be a blessing. So, with pure motives, we steward as God directs.
Budget to Give
So how do we develop the habit of giving? If you desire to give, then you need to budget for it and be disciplined. Pray like the Psalmist, “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!” (Psalm 119:36)
If you’re married, pray together, and, with united hearts, give as God convicts you – starting with your home church. It’s an opportunity for you to trust Him more than ever while keeping your lives free from the love of money.
You may also have other ministries that you would like to support. Consider giving first to the Lord before paying other bills. Commit to giving a percentage of your income to church, and do it consistently. It is great to be able to tithe but if you can’t start at 10%, start at 2% or 5% and work your way up.
The Apostle Paul wrote that, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
Developing the habit of generous giving will mean you’ll have to make sacrifices in other areas of your budget. This will be a step of faith for you, but it will be one the Lord will honour. Remember where you’re storing up treasures. The things of this world will fade away, die, and decay, but the things of God’s Kingdom will never end.
If you want to learn more about having a Kingdom mindset and aligning your finances with Scripture, look at the financial study options we offer. These include printed course workbooks and online courses.
These include:
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