Confronting a Conscience of Consumerism (In Christianity) 2
May 8, 2023
Confronting a Conscience of Consumerism (In Christianity) 2
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a mans life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15.
As citizens of the United States of America we should praise our Great, good, and gracious God that He has positioned us in a prosperous culture. However, the cold of consumerism parallels a pandemic that has infected attitudes. Although buying goods and conducting business possess no ethical or spiritual effects in themselves, but I submit to you that the thoughts behind those actions can. Iniquitous intentions such as covetousness, envy, selfishness, materialism, and the love of money make buying and selling an ugly activity of acquisition.
Pastor and Christian author Randy Alcorn said, “The grace that has freed us from bondage to sin is desperately needed to free us from our bondage to materialism.” He also declared that “The best things in life aren’t things.”
Consider with me with what the word of God says, and your reception of the word will reward you with inoculation for this formidable fleshly flu:
Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth
abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many
foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Instead of chasing cash Christians should be chasing the aforementioned Christian
characteristics that come from the word of God. Furthermore, Godliness is much greater than consumerism. God's word declares that “godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:6–8).
An effective cure for consumerism is thankfulness. Thankful people aren’t wishing ways to get more. They are satisfied with what God has supplied.
Undoubtedly the extreme evil of the pathogen consumerism is that it effects our focus and fellowship with our Lord God Jesus Christ. As a result of his immeasurable grace we have become his children and citizens of his kingdom and this world and its principles should no longer determine our desires.
In closing a God-fearing follower will engage in a regular exercise of examining his or her head and heart and protect it against the pneumonia of consumerism.
Not a sermon just some thoughts.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR