The Danger of Having a Materialistic Mindset for a Christian.
Have you come across this phrase or heard people telling “we’re living in a highly materialistic society”…? I am sure most of us have. This is so true of the present times we are living in, and so rampant that we can see and feel this around us. But being a Christian, a follower and believer of Christ, its very necessary for us to be cautioned and walk not with a materialistic mindset but rather walk with a heavenly mindset. Materialistic by definition means, excessively concerned with material possessions; money-oriented or worldly – concerned with material values or ordinary life rather than a spiritual existence.
Day’s back, my wife was applying on facial makeup with a lot of lipstick and various other things. I told Her, this makeups was not necessary and we should not devote too much of time in these things, rather a simple, light and gorgeous makeover was enough. She mentioned she likes it and that its a basic instinct of all girls. I thought for a while and questioned myself, is my wife’s action be considered as materialistic? I felt to some extent yes. Materialism is an inbuilt character a very carnal nature, and its very very important for each one of us, the so called believers to be transformed and renewed from this carnal nature to spiritual nature. It’s very tough to distinguish between and draw a decisive line between likes and wants, between a hobby or an addiction, between a materialistic mind and of just being a casual interest. Its of prime importance as Christian to judge ourselves and make sure that we are not pursuing a materialistic mindset in the name of interest, likes or hobbies, etc.
The biggest danger of being materialistic is that it does not portray Jesus. Its not in-line with what Jesus taught or lived His life. A materialistic attitude in us clearly shows our degree of spiritual maturity, it clearly exhibits our carnal nature and our priorities. I have seen Christians after Christians who give more priority on what dress they wear and how they look when going to church rather then with no concern to their internal
cleanliness of heart and mind. Have seen believers being particular about what they wear or eat or want, to an extent they get anger or frustrated on not having them. Anything in your life that draws away form God, that precedes the priority of God being the first is very dangerous.
Now lets see the second biggest danger of having a materialistic attitude. The two greatest commandments given by our Lord Jesus on which all of the Bible hangs is mentioned in Matthew 22:36-40. Its about LOVE. Love your God with all your heart and mind and soul. And the second one is to Love others as yourself. God wants us to love people and use things, but being materialistic makes us love things and use people. Its exactly reverses the whole purpose of God, it changes the God given command and substitutes genuine love.
Thirdly, Being materialistic or worldly gives short lived happiness to those who embrace it, and this continues to be addictive in nature which eventually pushes the individuals to the brink. This happiness is also accompanied by pride. Its a great danger when we start experiencing happiness or feel proud with these worldly things. The Bible cautions us and says “We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Being worldly can introduce selfishness and boastfulness in us, another great danger we Christians need to be caution off. You start continually thinking from your own perspective rather looking into the bigger picture. Your self-needs become more important than anything else. Your achievements lead to boastful talks rather than giving glory to God.
If unchecked, In our day to day life, materialism will make sure that our eyes and hearts are focused on the worldly matters rather than spiritual or heavenly things. Materialism slowly shifts our focus from doing Gods work to look after our own works. People turning more and more materialistic is a sign of the end days. 2Timothy 3:2 says “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,”
The book of Ecclesiastes is the most powerful exposé of materialism ever written. Solomon recounts his attempts to find meaning in pleasure, laughter, alcohol, folly, building projects, and the pursuit of personal interests, as well as in amassing slaves, gold and silver, singers, and a huge harem to fulfill his sexual desires (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). He lived by this philosophy: “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure” (Ecclesiastes 2:10). After his years as the world’s richest man, Solomon says, “When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
Its so unfortunate and heart breaking to see todays most of young Christian youths after worldly things living with materialistic mindset. They have grown up with ZERO knowledge and understanding of the Word of God. They have NO interest in studying and meditating in the word of God. Have witnessed fights and politics in Churches. I see Bible reading and fasting believers gossiping just as non-believers do. I see young Brides and Grooms taking their most important marriage life decisions based on worldly things. Have seen young youths with great music talents and singing Gospel songs, but with NO deep connection to the Lord or to the Word of God. Sports, School grades and extra circular activities have become more important then teaching the Bible to our children’s.
This is unfortunate when we as Christians are supposed to be the light in this dark world. We have let worldliness creep into our families and the church instead of making certain the church spreads out in the world. We should be the ones living differently so that the world may know that we have been crucified with Christ, rather than us thinking, dressing and acting just like everyone else does (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1). One of the major problems in the Lord’s church today is worldliness. Most of our conflicts and struggles in the body of Christ can be traced back to a materialistic mindset. People like worldly things and that’s why prosperity gospels and feel good gospels(sharing positive thoughts by saying all is well) are more popular nowadays. But be cautious and listen what the Bible says “ For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God;…..” (Romans 8:6-7).
As Christian we should be able to clearly distinguish between the “needs” and “wants” of our life. Not only is it important for us to be mindful of our needs vs wants but also teach these principles to our children’s and young ones, who struggle largely in this area. We should always depend on God our Heavenly Father for all our needs as the Bible says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19). Depending on God, teaches us to be humble and keeps us away from the lusts of this world. In the earlier example that I mentioned of my wife, looking beautiful is a good thing, but giving too much importance to the same makes it materialistic. Always remember, a materialistic mind set can never bring glory to God, it can never become a testimony of the lord for others, rather it always try’s to portray self to others.
At last, examine yourself… The Bible clearly mentions that one cannot serve two masters. You cannot keep your feet in two boats at the same time. Don’t call your self spiritual or a believer just because you read Bible, fast and go to Church, when the carnal nature is prevalent in you. Time is running out fast, switch, be renewed and make your choice. Start storing and building your treasures in Heaven by having a Heavenly mindset. Watch this beautiful video for encouragement.
References: For more insights, you can further read @Are You Materialistic?, and @Ten Ways Materialism Brings Us to Ruin. Have already included few points from the above mentioned in my discussion.
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