My Dear Friend,

Materialism has two meanings. First, it is the philosophical theory that only material things are real and therefore all alleged non-material (spiritual) realities are not real. We are not examining this theory, since all true Christians reject it.

Rather, and secondly, materialism is the tendency to value - and eventually center one's thoughts, works, hopes, and joys around - material things more than spiritual things. This is a deadly snare to Christians. Let's probe further and learn more.

God's Word attacks materialism head-on and without apology. Jesus warned us gravely to "beware" of covetousness (craving money and material things), as if watching out for a deadly trap. He added this mighty declaration: "one's life does not consist of the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15, NKJV); or, "life is not measured by how much you own" (NLT). Psalms warns, "If your wealth increases, don't make it the center of your life" (Psalm 62:10, NLT). Ecclesiastes reminds us wealth-seeking creates a futile, inescapable, unending cycle of discontentment: "Whoever loves money will never have enough money; whoever loves wealth will not be satisfied with it" (Ecclesiastes 5:10, NCV). It also repeatedly points out the obvious: we will all leave this world one day and leave all our material things behind (Ecclesiastes 2:18, 21).

Jesus told a parable about a wealthy materialist who, rich in goods but poor in faith and charity, lost his eternal soul, while a poor beggar living near him, possessing only faith in God, gained both his eternal soul and heaven's most fabulous wealth: God and His unending blessings (Luke 16:19-31). Jesus rebuked the materially-rich Laodicean Christians for boasting that they were "rich and increased with goods" while their souls remained "poor" and bankrupt of spiritual "gold tried in the fire," a symbol for proven faith and knowledge of God (Revelation 3:16-18). Jesus also explicitly ordered His followers to "lay not up for yourselves" vast stores of wealth in this world to worship and rely on (Matthew 6:19-21), but rather to worship and trust in God, whose riches "in heaven" (6:21-31) are so lavish and accessible on earth they even clothe flowers and feed birds.

No hypocrite, Jesus lived His teaching. He owned nothing - "the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20), or "no home of his own" (CJB) - yet He lacked nothing. His heavenly Father provided all He needed as He needed it: a family home in Nazareth, a rented house in Capernaum, a seamless robe, ministry supporters (Luke 8:1-3), and committed student-companions (disciples). Jesus craved nothing material because He had everything spiritual: full, intimate fellowship with, and favor from, His awesome heavenly Father. He knew that was the truly rich life and therefore wasted no time trying to gain and hold vast stores of this life's fleeting riches.

In 1 Timothy 6, the wisdom-filled apostle Paul taught a course on this subject. He urged us to be "content," or satisfied enough, with even the simplest material provisions, food and clothes (6:8). He warned that those thinking "gain is [equals] godliness" are depraved and we should disfellowship with them (6:5). He urged materially rich Christians to give richly to the needy, not avidly seek more wealth (6:17-19). And he concluded, "godliness with contentment is [real] gain" (6:6), meaning we gain true, eternal, spiritual riches by pursuing Christlikeness (Jesus' teachings, lifestyle, and fruit of the Spirit) and contentment.

Hebrews instructs us to be "content" with our present material possessions, many or few, because, whatever we have materially, we always have Jesus spiritually - to draw near, worship, learn from, petition, talk to, and lean on; and to guide us, and walk and work with us daily (Hebrews 13:5-6). So, whatever our net worth, we have Christ worth! All this begs the question, why?

Why do fallen human creatures universally crave "more" - more money and material things, always more? And more specifically, why do we - blood-bought, Spirit-filled, Scripture-enlightened, Christ-beloved Christians - do so? Let's review some possible causes:

• Our nature stumbles us. Being made from dust, or earth, naturally speaking, our sin nature inclines us to earthy, or material, things. But, once we receive Christ's new birth, don't we have a new nature, a divine spirit-Man, residing in us that loves spiritual things first?

• Envy often sets Christians on materialistic quests - to not just keep up with but also surpass the "Jones." But instead of comparing our worldly things with theirs, shouldn't we remember our immensely richer blessings in Christ, and pray for their spiritual awakening (Psalm 103:1-7)?

• Security is another reason. The captivating lie Satan sells us runs something like this: the more I have, the safer I am should financial or economic disaster strike. But, in Christ, don't we have a "living God" abundantly able to provide for us whatever our situation and however great our need (2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:19)?

• Pride also prompts materialism. We want wealth so we can show it off to others in childish "look at me" moments (though we usually lie by telling ourselves our wealth is glorifying Jesus). But didn't Jesus say we should be learning humility, not haughtiness? A spiritual lifestyle, not materialistic worldliness? To live like Him, not the rich young ruler?

• Social status may stimulate materialism. We imagine more money and property will enable us to rise to a higher social orbit and enjoy wider acceptance. Why seek after this mirage inspired by the "pride of life" (1 John 2:15-17)? Haven't all Christians, rich and poor, already been elevated to heaven's highest social bracket: the redeemed?

• Our birth status is another breeding ground. Christians born in poverty understandably wish to escape it, but err if they imagine having more things means success as a Christian. It does not. Christian success is fully knowing God and fully doing His will in life, thus glorifying Him. So, to those born in want, I say, want only this: more of Jesus! He, the Good Shepherd, will provide, not everything you want, but everything you need: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1), or "I have everything I need" (NCV), or "I shall never lack!"

Materialism's genesis is not obvious. Rather, it begins subconsciously. Like leaven, it roots and grows in our hearts silently. Then it spreads, gradually working its way into our conscious thoughts, conversations, and actions. In its deadly grip, we become convinced that the more material things we get - more income, nicer clothes, jewelry, new cars, larger homes, luxury items - the less we will crave them. But, as stated above, the opposite is true; the craving only increases.

Soon consumer goods are on our minds more and the Lord less. The Holy Spirit faithfully warns us, but too often we ignore Him . . . and the deception grows. Jesus' lordship ceases and our new idol, Materialism, becomes our lord and master, slave-driving us ceaselessly to earn more or borrow (or steal!) more to satisfy its insatiable lust for additional newer, nicer material things. Meanwhile, our eternal soul, neglected and deprived of vital infusions of our Lord's fellowship, Word, Spirit, and Presence, weakens and withers by the hour.

And the hour is late! Christ is returning soon. Sooner than today's church imagines. And one thing is sure: The world's foremost non-materialist, Jesus, is not coming for materialistic Christians! They will be left behind, while those learning to live for Him and spiritual, eternal things will be taken. Therefore, Christians hoping to escape the Tribulation must first escape materialism. And now! Here are three practical correctives:

1. Renounce a "consumer" mindset! Let others covet the latest, flashiest products while you learn to enjoy and thank God for what you have. When you genuinely need items, pray and search for them. When God provides them, assimilate them into your Christ-first life by thanking and blessing Him every time you use and enjoy them.

2. Live loose to all your possessions. When Jesus appears, you will be separated from all your earthly things and joined with Him in the heavens. So, why not separate now in your heart? Lot lingered in Sodom, perhaps because his heart dreaded parting with his goods. His wife later, and tragically, looked back. They are examples we should not follow.

3. Guard you mind. Ask your divine Helper - the Holy Spirit - to help you screen your thoughts. Every time you begin craving more material things, quench that unholy lust and replace it with a holy longing for more of the King and His eternal kingdom riches: knowledge of God's Word; spiritual insight; faith purified and proven in successful testing; faithfulness in the smallest, most hidden duties; more quality time in God's Presence; joyful corporate communion; ministering as occasion serves; supporting Spirit-led missions; and helping your local church body learn, worship, and fulfill its commissions.

A marked change will follow in your thoughts, desires, and character. You will think less about passing material things and more about your enduring new life and walk with Christ. You will discern, or see, materialism for the cheap fraud it is and wonder why you ever worshiped at its delusionary altar. Your covetous craving for the things of this world will grow weaker, wither, and die, while your hunger and thirst for the things of Christ and His righteousness will grow stronger until it is insatiable - yet, amazingly, this insatiable desire, unlike its carnal counterpart, imparts a full, rich, sustained soul satisfaction you never experienced all the years you lived for material things. And there's more.

Your character will be permanently altered. No longer "yet carnal" (1 Corinthians 3:3), you will be a truly spiritual, mature, Christlike Christian. And materialism will be dead, gone, forgotten! Is there anything more fabulously wealthy and enviable than that?

Seeking Christ's wealth,

Greg Hinnant

GREG HINNANT MINISTRIES