This is a topic that I’ve been thinking about for a while:
Materialism.
Another word for it is greed, selfishness, stinginess…all of these terms are synonymous with materialism with me.
What’s the deal with needing stuff?
Why do I need 57 pairs of shoes, every new gizmo and gadget that hits the market, and a new car?
I go through my stuff periodically. When I start purging this question runs through my mind: When was the last time I used this? If I cannot remember the last time I’ve used something I get rid of it. Here recently I have been selling things that I haven’t used in a while, and I am proud to say that I have made some nice money doing so.
Now here’s an obvious statement:
When you die, nothing goes with you.
This fact has really inspired me to become more introspective. Why am I hoarding? If nothing can go with me anyway why do I want so much stuff? Someone tell me that I am not the only one who feels this way.
What if I put the same amount of energy into reaching out to others that I put into seeking wealth and possessions?
Maybe this is an extreme viewpoint, but I am quite confident that the issue of materialism is really stunting the growth of Christians.
My dad shared this verse with me:
Luke 12: 15:
“And [Jesus] said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness,” for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
So Jesus says that your self-worth is not tangled up in what you own…that’s awesome! That’s freedom! That’s the gospel! And I love it!
I want my life to be filled with sharing the gospel, raising a family, you know? Things that actually matter.
The floor is now opened for discussion. What do you think about materialism? Share your thoughts, Bible verses, etc. I want to hear from you!
audra gayle 
Great blog post Audra! You are spot on with your thoughts. Something that keeps coming to my mind is that there are only 2 eternal things on this planet. #1: God’s Word, Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. #2: And People, especially, the effect of God’s Word on people through our life’s example and efforts.
Keep this good stuff coming Sweetie! It’s gonna help people!
Audra you go girl! I struggle with this issue and it goes right along with my issue that God has me working on right now, self control. My self control issues are food, procrastination, and shopping. Why do I feel the need to go out and buy stuff all of the time. No Audra you are not alone. I have a whole duffle bag bursting at the seams with purses and bags, and I have a whole closet floor full of shoes. I can only wear one pair of shoes at a time and I only use one purse at a time so why do I have so many? Maybe one day we will figure out the answers to these questions. Great post Audra!
The cool thing is that grace can help us figure these things out. I want to move in the unforced rhythms of grace. We are changed by daily renewing our minds on these issues. Isn’t that awesome? I think it is. 🙂
That is awesome Audra, very thought-provoking!
I literally have been needing to go through my closet and my basement all summer to get of things I haven’t used lately. I have been wanting to do it before school starts back up and things get too busy. This is my last free weekend and this post was exactly what I needed to read to motivate me. You are so correct Audra. We now live in a more- more- more society. We want things faster, better… But I want to strive to be a woman who does not need earthly possessions. I would rather bless others with the money I am blessed with. It is a growing process and I don’t think anyone masters it overnight, BUT! we can be encouraged that the more we seek Him, the less we will feel the need for possessions. Seeking Him will fill the newer, faster, better hole way more than any earthly possessions and he truly will bless our efforts.
Phil 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I’m so glad that this post was an encouragement to you! This is definitely something that has taken me a long time to grasp. In fact, I have been struggling with wanting two or three different items that I would love to own but are not necessary for my survival. It’s hard because I could justify each purchase…and really want to. The trouble comes with needing to think about my finances and see which item is really worth saving up for.