Life is More than Meat

Our success is not measured by our peers but by the Lord.

There are many trends one can see in our society. Whether it’s a clothing brand, a hairstyle, or a latest fad, trends come and go over the years. But one trend that has always shown through the years is materialism. The desire of things and the idea that possessions bring happiness has plagued our land for generations. No longer do we measure success by what a man is or what he does. We measure a man’s success by what a man has.

Through media and advertising, our society has made a point of pressuring us into seeking earthly possessions. It seems as if the world would have us think that the more we have, the more successful we are and the more we will be accepted into society.

In 1986, USA Today took a poll of thousands of American people regarding their financial status. It was concluded that most Americans believed that if they could have an additional $8,000–$10,000 annually, they could live comfortably. But no matter how much money we have, it always seems as if we need just a little more.

There is nothing wrong with having possessions. James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” If God has blessed you, then thank Him for it and honor Him for how good He has been to you. But when possessions become the goal or focus of your life, then you have been caught in the trap of materialism.

We must be aware of what is happening in our society regarding materialism so we don’t begin to compare our lives and financial status with the unsaved man’s possessions. Our success is not measured by our peers but by the Lord.

Have you felt “poor” when comparing yourself and what you have to those around you? Christian, God says in Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” No matter how many possessions you have on this earth, all of Heaven will be yours for eternity!

When the devil tempts you to desire more possessions, remind him that you’re not going to be here on earth much longer and you’re storing your treasure in Heaven, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20).

Source: Daily in the Word, August 11, 2008