Which Master Do You Serve?

“I want bigger one,” I hear my son say when offered food of varying sizes. Even at two plus years he thinks bigger is better. I’ve watched children playing with a particular toy only to have others want to play with that specific toy. Usually, after much screaming and whining, the kids involved will relent and share reluctantly. Others will try to clutch all toys within their reach. It is as if they fear that it will all be taken away. From a young age we seem to have an inclination towards hoarding things. Children want, and they want more.

As adults we are no different. That hoarding mentality fuels the mighty machine of consumerism; a people powered behemoth that poisons many lives. It is ultimately responsible for the huge gulf between disparity and prosperity on earth. In the United States, more people are likely to declare bankruptcy than graduate from college. More people are in debt than ever before, and the debt load is greater. The “American/Canadian dream” has a hefty price tag both literally and figuratively; and all of it to maintain image and comfort. Ironically, this pursuit of happiness seems to leave people stressed and miserable, with their relationships suffering as well.

Those of us who are followers of Christ will readily acknowledge that materialism is ungodly, but without carefully considering whether or not we have truly succumbed to its allures. After all, “the heart is deceitful above all things… (Jeremiah 17:9). Maybe it’s time for self-analysis. What is it that consumes our thoughts? What are we working for? Therein one may find a pantheon of idols. The latest and greatest: cars, houses, computers, plasma screen TVs, clothes, comic books, trinkets, CDs, DVDs and so on. Some of us may rival the Athenians in their idol count (Acts 17:16). Materialism isn’t just the acquiring of desired objects; it is the coveting itself.

From a personal observation, I noticed that I was often more enthralled looking at a Home Depot flyer or going there to look at their wares (namely power tools) than I was getting into Scripture. I began to wonder if God viewed my constant leering at power tools with as much disdain as he would lust. Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with our material possessions. It is wrong when they possess us. Every believer needs to survey all they have and then listen to the words of Jesus, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...” Do we treat this a mere suggestion; a pious platitude, or a command from our Lord with very grave implications if disobeyed.

There are things that can help us overcome the grip of materialism. We need to pray for each other and ourselves to surrender our material desires to God. Scripture is very clear on actions and attitudes regarding our wealth, thus spending time hearing what God has to say in the matter benefits us greatly. Possessing simple gratitude and savoring the simple things in life can go a long way. This is an area where lowering our standards is actually a good thing: used versus new, a basic vehicle instead of a luxury one, and even waiting. Yes, desires can wane by waiting. Finally, we can take on the attitude that none of what we have is ours to begin with; it all belongs to God. Let us heed the warning in Luke 13 and that we do not become like the man who tears down his barns to build bigger ones. Instead, let us glorify God with what he has given us.

Geoffrey Jones has been a disciple since September 1994. He lives in Vancouver with his wife Jacqueline and two year old son, Rhys