Each day, new products hit the market. And because many people work hard to get money to buy more things, many subtly crave materialism. It‘s like no matter how much people have, they are just not satisfied. In 1 Timothy 6:8-10, we learn that Paul was satisfied with just food and clothes on his back, admonishing us to live contented lives without craving for more things to satisfy only the flesh, which leads us to the sin of lust. Lust is a compelling urge to get more. When we feed on our lusts, it is just like feeding wood to fire, which then sparks into a wildfire.
In verse 9 of the same chapter, it said, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” Paul was a man of discipline. He exercised contentment in Christ Jesus. He laboured hard for the Lord without exploiting other people to provide for his needs (see 1 Corinthians 4:12-13).
When we feed on our lusts, it is just like feeding wood to fire, which then sparks into a wildfire.
Meanwhile, in this world, many young people are consumed with materialism so much that some young men engage in fraudulent activities, while for some young women, it is promiscuity. All of these are merely to cater to the lusts of their flesh. To be content with what you have as God’s child, you need to have faith in Christ and trust that He will provide your needs according to His riches in glory. Jesus Himself said in Mathew 6:31-32 that you should not worry about what to eat, drink or wear, for our Father in Heaven knows your needs. Many of us lose consciousness of our Father’s capability to provide, which shouldn’t be the case. Learn to depend on God for provision.
The desire to be rich
Also, some people are not content because they desire to be rich. Money seems to be the only driving force of such people’s human activities and interactions every day, so much so that we’ve lost sight of our divine purpose which is God’s delight in our lives in this world. Money is good when used to serve the right purpose. But eternal life is not about having an abundance of possessions (see Luke 12:15).
Living within our means
Live within your means, and do not be pressured by what other people have. Life is in the levels. Nevertheless, God is the lifter of men. For this reason, don’t buy things you cannot afford with money you have not earned merely to please others who don’t really care so much about you.
Trust God to meet your needs
Beloved, if you could trust God wholeheartedly to provide all your needs, you would live a life free of worry and anxiety. God’s time for making things happen in your life is different from yours. That is why you sometimes get the things you hope for at a time you don’t even expect. God is never late. The all-knowing Father knows just the perfect time to deliver. All you need to do is to trust that He can deliver and He always does.
Avoid covetousness
Covetousness is a sin. It is the insatiable desire for worldly gains. As a follower of Christ, avoid this type of behaviour. It is not pleasing in the sight of God. Hebrews 13:5 says,
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He has said, I will never leave nor forsake you.”
Remain joyous and content with what God has provided for you. And as much as possible, desist from comparing your life to others.
