I remember when I first understood what the word “materialistic” meant. I was in my freshman year of college sitting in a Sunday school class that was discussing modernist and post-modernist philosophies when I heard the word defined. Of course, I knew people who were obsessed with having “stuff”, but I didn’t know there was an actual word for it.
Since that time my eyes have been opened to see the sickening level of materialism in this country. More relevantly, my eyes have been opened to the materialism that lurks within my own heart. For instance, before my husband and I filed our taxes this year we decided that we were going to give a percentage of our returns to a missionary family. However, when we filed we found out that we were getting a refund that was twice as large as we had been expecting. I would like to say that my first thought was, “That’s great! That’s another $— we can give to a missionary!” The reality was that I immediately thought, “Hmmm, I wonder what we could get? We should get a flat screen monitor for our computer so we have more space…” Now that seems like a pretty logical desire, especially for a family who uses the computer constantly. However, I know what my real motive was: materialism. “Everyone else has one, why shouldn’t I?” I thought. If I stand back and look at myself objectively I can ask, “Do I really need a flat monitor more than a missionary needs to fill his vehicle up with gas?” No.
In a culture where the desire to have more, get more, and make more is growing by the day, how can we keep that desire in check? There are a few things my husband and I have learned that help us keep our eyes on what’s important. This is a good reminder for me and I hope it is for you as well.
First of all, try to remember what the real needs in your life are. Anything that is not a necessity for a healthy life is, or should be, expendible. Our mission on earth is to tell other people about Jesus. Extra money should help accomplish that goal.
Secondly, learn the value of saving. Saving helps us prepare for the unknowns in our future and also gives us a sense of security. When we come across extra money we try not to think about what we can get with it, but rather how we can save as much of it as possible.
Finally, have a healthy attitude toward debt. The Bible says to “owe no man any thing.” The person you owe money to is, in effect, your master and you are the slave. We focus our efforts diligently on paying off our debts.
In an ever-deteriorating culture, it is crucial that we have an appropriate attitude towards money and material possessions and that we pass on those attitudes to our children.
Please see these related articles:
Marriage and Family Issues: Debt
Why My Beliefs Matter