Tonight my heart feels pain as I reflect on how deeply materialism and greed have woven themselves into the fabric of American society. Everywhere I look—on social media, on TV, in conversations—it seems like the pursuit of more things, more money, and more status dominates the minds and hearts of people around me. It pains me because I see how this focus is slowly eroding the Christian values I cherish and strive to live by.
Growing up in church, I remember the countless sermons warning us about the dangers of loving money. One verse always sticks with me: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10). It’s such a powerful reminder that greed doesn’t just affect our wallets—it can break our faith and shatter our souls.
What’s sad is that this love of money isn’t always obvious or malicious. Sometimes it’s subtle—a constant chase after the latest phone, the trendiest clothes, the biggest house. It’s easy to get caught up in it without even realizing it. I admit, I’ve felt that pull too. Social media bombards me with images of influencers flaunting their wealth and luxury, and I have to remind myself daily that my worth is not measured by what I own.
Jesus had a lot to say about this kind of attitude. I keep coming back to Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It’s convicting because it shows me that what I value most shapes where my heart truly lives. Am I storing up treasures in heaven, or am I distracted by fleeting earthly things?
I think about how much pressure there is to conform to this materialistic culture, especially as a young woman trying to build a career and life in this world. Advertisements tell me that buying this or that will bring happiness, success, or even acceptance. But deep down, I know that’s not true. Happiness built on things is like a sandcastle—beautiful but washed away by the next wave. Only God’s love is eternal and unchanging.
The Bible offers a different perspective—one that values generosity, contentment, and trust in God’s provision. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” What peace there is in that promise! It reminds me that I don’t need to cling to possessions or chase after more because God is always with me, providing exactly what I need.
Another passage that encourages me is Proverbs 11:28: “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” It warns against putting our trust in money and possessions, which are so fragile and temporary. Trusting in God, on the other hand, leads to true flourishing—spiritually and emotionally.
I see the effects of materialism and greed not just personally but in my community and church. Sometimes it causes division—people comparing themselves, competing, or even envying others. It makes me sad to think that something as shallow as possessions can steal the joy of fellowship and unity that Christ desires for us.
It also affects how we care for others. The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:17, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” This challenges me to think about how much I’m really willing to give and share. Am I holding tightly to my things out of fear or greed, or am I generous like Jesus taught?
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the contradiction between the world’s values and the kingdom values I want to live by. The world says, “Get rich, get famous, get ahead.” God’s Word says, “Serve others, be humble, love sacrificially.” How do I navigate that tension daily?
I remind myself that it’s not about rejecting all material things—they are gifts from God and can be used for His glory. But the heart behind owning and using them matters. Are my possessions serving me, or am I serving them? Luke 12:15 warns, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” That verse shakes me every time because it cuts through so much of our culture’s noise.
The way I think about money and stuff is a spiritual matter. Jesus taught that our hearts are where our treasure lies, so I want to ask God to help me have a heart like His—generous, content, and focused on eternal things.
I pray for wisdom to live simply in a world that screams for more. I pray for courage to say no to the temptation of greed and materialism, even when it feels like everyone else is chasing after those things. And I pray for compassion to care deeply about others and not let possessions blind me to their needs.
It’s encouraging to remember that I’m not alone in this struggle. So many believers are wrestling with the same issues. We can support each other, pray for each other, and keep pointing one another back to God’s Word—the only true source of lasting joy and fulfillment.
Tonight, as I close my laptop, I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The “full life” Jesus offers isn’t measured by material wealth but by the richness of His love, grace, and peace. I want to pursue that fullness—not the empty promises of materialism.
May my heart always treasure God above all else. May I find joy in His presence, peace in His provision, and freedom from the chains of greed. I want to live a life that reflects His kingdom values, even when the world pulls me the other way.
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