Consumerism is an addictive habit for many, a source of bitterness for those who cannot afford what others enjoy, and often a distraction from our dedication to God and His purposes for us. There is too much tragedy in our world to add to it by coveting what our workmate, neighbor, or family member has.
In today’s society, we are more polarized than ever before in race, gender, worldview, life philosophy, opinions and convictions. Theft, physical abuse, murders, home invasions, etc. are on the rise. Thieves do not even wait until the cover of darkness; they will break into a home at any time, even when everyone is at home.
Admiring a person's wife or personal possessions is not enough for them (Deuteronomy 5:21). They want, without working for it, what the other person has; and they want it now. At times, desperation will fuel a person to use desperate means to provide for their family; however, some people are just too lazy to work.
Contrarily, The Bible encourages us to rejoice when someone rejoices and to show empathy when someone suffers loss (Romans 12:15). If someone buys a new home, outfit, recreational vehicle, etc. then we rejoice with them. If another person cannot even afford groceries, we can step up and help them by purchasing a grocery gift card for them.
We often find it easier to weep with others than to rejoice when someone is blessed, especially if we decide that it is a greater portion of blessing than we received. The key here is to realize that God will provide us what we need, when we need it. Achieving God’s plan and purpose for our life is much more fulfilling than amassing this world’s good.
Prayer:
Father God, if the truth is known, a bigger house, a new recreational toy, a more luxurious vehicle, a closet full of new outfits with shoes to match, etc. will make us happy for the moment, but they soon lose their glitter. Then we are stuck with high payments that drain our finances and are downright irritating after a while. Remind us that every good and perfect gift comes directly from You. You are the Father of Lights, and You bless those who walk in your ways (James 1:17).
You even bless the sinner, which causes grumbling among the ranks of those who faithfully serve You. Yet, through this action You show us that You willingly allow Your rain of blessings to fall on the just and the unjust alike (Matthew 5:45). Remind us that consumerism is a trap of the devil to keep us from serving You with our whole heart; and, at times, these choices may put us in financial or legal peril as well.
Thought for the Day:
God’s ways are perfect, and we want to have more of the mind of Christ and less of the mindset of this world, so that we can serve the Godhead with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength; God shows His love to thousands of generations, which come from those who love Him - blessing our children and their children throughout the ensuing years, even beyond the day of our death - which is actually the day of our eternal deliverance from the corruption of this earth.
- Luke 10:27; Exodus 20:6; Philippians 2:5
