Overcoming: Devotions from Time of Graceنموونە

Money and Materialism

Ever play the "comparison" game? I'm flexible; he's wishy-washy. I am principled; she's pigheaded. I'm a connoisseur of fine things; he's materialistic.

Are you materialistic? Of course not. Only other people are. But how can you tell if you're getting there? Here are some danger signs: if you generally measure people's worth by how much money they have . . . if you will sell out your ethics and cheat or steal to get what you want . . . if seeing other people's nice stuff makes you envy them and hate your own life . . . if acquiring stuff is your primary way of feeling good about yourself.

Will you let Jesus teach you a better attitude? He told his disciples, at least one of whom had serious money lust, "A person's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). What should it consist of? "Seek his [the Father's] kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well" (Luke 12:31).

The number-one materialism antivenom: making your relationship with God, through your Savior Jesus, the very first treasure and priority of your life.