My 3 Life-Changing Money Lessons I Learned From John PiperSample

"If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.” - John Piper.

Remember how our parents used to tell us not to fill up on candy before dinner so we didn’t spoil our appetite?

Maybe we should apply that wisdom a bit more to all areas of our lives.

The sad truth is that when we fill ourselves up with junk that appears to satisfy our desires, we are actually just preventing ourselves from enjoying the great.

This idea is powerfully supported in a study done by Tim Kasser (a well-known psychologist).

Kasser's research reveals a striking truth: the more we chase material wealth and possessions, the less satisfied we become. Why?

Because materialism often leads us to neglect the parts of life that genuinely fulfill us, such as spiritual growth, community, and personal relationships.

Matthew 5:6 reminds us, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

This seems to align perfectly with Kasser's findings.

Kasser found that high materialism correlates with higher anxiety and depression levels.

In essence, when we overindulge in material pursuits, we're like someone filling up on junk food—it might feel good at the moment, but it leaves us spiritually malnourished and longing for something more substantial and fulfilling.

So, what's the takeaway?

It's not about shunning material possessions but prioritizing what is most important. It's about ensuring that our pursuit of material goals doesn't eclipse our spiritual growth and the pursuit of things that offer deeper, more lasting satisfaction.