10 Things To Abandon For Spiritual GrowthSample

Abandon: Materialism

At some point we all think about what we have. We also tend to think about what we don’t have; the list of “don’t haves” is most likely as long, if not longer, than what we have. This isn’t exactly a bad thing unless our thinking drives us to the point of materialism.

Dictionary.com defines materialism as a "preoccupation with or emphasis on material objects, comforts, and considerations, with a disinterest in or rejection of spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values." This definition highlights the struggle we all face with the relationship between physical and spiritual things. We often feel as though we have to choose one or the other. Thankfully, to avoid materialism, we don’t have to.

Abandoning materialism happens when we acknowledge God as the source of all that we have and work to manage what we've been given well. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (NIV) There is nothing wrong with what we have or don’t have. The question is, what are we doing or not doing with what God has blessed us with?

Prayer:
Our Father, the giver of all good and perfect gifts, we ask you to give us wisdom to manage well the things that You have entrusted to us. May we, both give and receive, with a thankful heart. May others experience Your love and grace in their lives because of what you are doing in and through us.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.