This stronghold of materialism has crept in to our churches and lives so much so that it is hardly even noticed anymore. Materialism is defined as:
1 a :
a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and
that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as
manifestations or results of matter
b : a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progress
c : a doctrine that economic or social change is materially caused — compare historical materialism
2: a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things
It is the second definition that has crept in. Not so much a doctrine or theory but a definite preoccupation with material rather than intellectual or spiritual things. We do however invent or create doctrines to prop up the materialistic mindset. How many times have we been told that Jesus said "All these things would be added to you."? He did say that but only after he said, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you." The kingdom comes first. Also, Jesus said these things, and here is is speaking of material stuff, would be added to you. (Emphasis mine). Our problem is we tend to multiply these things to ourselves instead of letting God add them.
Further in our desire to prop up our materialistic drive with spirituality we talk about success and favor. Reducing the favor of God; granted to do exploits like set nations free, slay giants, win tremendous battles to something God grants so that we make more money!
I have taken several trips outside of the United States and been very blessed to meet some of God's children in some of the poorest nations on earth. I met people who have dirt floors in their churches and in their homes. People who spread jam on bread so thinly that the color of the bread barely changes, because it has to last, it is a treat. People who still draw today's water from a small well. I met people who have never tasted any meat other than chicken in their entire lives. One thing that I noticed immediately was the joy with which these people served the Lord.
Further in our desire to prop up our materialistic drive with spirituality we talk about success and favor. Reducing the favor of God; granted to do exploits like set nations free, slay giants, win tremendous battles to something God grants so that we make more money!
I have taken several trips outside of the United States and been very blessed to meet some of God's children in some of the poorest nations on earth. I met people who have dirt floors in their churches and in their homes. People who spread jam on bread so thinly that the color of the bread barely changes, because it has to last, it is a treat. People who still draw today's water from a small well. I met people who have never tasted any meat other than chicken in their entire lives. One thing that I noticed immediately was the joy with which these people served the Lord.
It made me wonder, how can they be so happy with so little? It made me wonder, what is wrong with me? I have everything, (comparatively) yet I do not know this level of joy, contentment, and peace.
We have fallen into belief that joy comes from stuff. Joy cannot come from stuff, joy is a fruit of the spirit.
Materialism is truly driving the church insane we like the church with daycare, theatre seating, cafe's, short sermons, good music and low commitments. In our homes we have all the latest technology and comfort while working two jobs to pay for everything. We have huge mortgages and high property taxes because schools in low property tax areas are woefully unsuited for our brilliant children.
We have become the people of Haggai 1:6 We planted much and reaped a little. Why? Our priorities are out of whack.
I don't mean to say we need to be poor and have nothing; I mean to say we need to believe we don't need everything. We have to get the focus off of our wants and return to a simpler life. One of trust in our Abba to supply all of our needs according to his riches in glory.
If we are not careful we end up acting like the Philistines of the Old Testament book of Judges. They capture the Ark of the Covenant in battle and set it before the idol of Dagon in their temple. When they came in hte next day Dagon was face down in front of the Ark. They proceeded to prop their god back up in front of the Ark. The next day they came in and Dagon was on his face again this time his arms and legs were CUT not broken, CUT off. Materialism is a false and powerless god that cannot stand in the presence of GOD.
Materialism is truly driving the church insane we like the church with daycare, theatre seating, cafe's, short sermons, good music and low commitments. In our homes we have all the latest technology and comfort while working two jobs to pay for everything. We have huge mortgages and high property taxes because schools in low property tax areas are woefully unsuited for our brilliant children.
We have become the people of Haggai 1:6 We planted much and reaped a little. Why? Our priorities are out of whack.
I don't mean to say we need to be poor and have nothing; I mean to say we need to believe we don't need everything. We have to get the focus off of our wants and return to a simpler life. One of trust in our Abba to supply all of our needs according to his riches in glory.
If we are not careful we end up acting like the Philistines of the Old Testament book of Judges. They capture the Ark of the Covenant in battle and set it before the idol of Dagon in their temple. When they came in hte next day Dagon was face down in front of the Ark. They proceeded to prop their god back up in front of the Ark. The next day they came in and Dagon was on his face again this time his arms and legs were CUT not broken, CUT off. Materialism is a false and powerless god that cannot stand in the presence of GOD.
