The Matter of Materialism

Is what we say about money and materialism, the same as what we practice?

The critical question for our generation—and for every generation—is this: If you could have Heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with Heaven, if Christ was not there? — John Piper

Matthew 6:19–24 AV

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Examine Your Investment (v. 19-21)

Examine Your Vision (v. 22-23)

A Spiritual Vision Test:

Do you often buy things you want before you can afford them?

Do you take great comfort and even a bit of pride in being able to make and save money?

Do you measure yourself and others by where you live, what you drive and what you have?

Are you generous? Do you give to those in need? Do you tip well?

Do you regularly, systematically, and joyfully give to God's work?

Choose Your Loyalty (v. 24)

If all that you had was Jesus, would you be content?