Topic > Christianity & Culture > Materialism >
Losing Our Way
An online survey conducted by a New York law firm reveals that 52 percent of Wall Street traders, brokers, investment bankers, and other financial service professionals have either engaged in illegal activity or believe they may need to do so in order to be successful. The survey concludes that these financial leaders “have lost their moral compass” and “accept corporate wrongdoing as a necessary evil.”
Me and Dresses
I did it again. I bought a dress. I couldn’t help it. It was so cheap. I didn’t need it. Me and dresses, we have this dalliance going on for quite some time. They are not to disturb me and steal my attention. They are to look bland and […]
Prone To Wander
One of my favorite classic hymns is “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” which was written in 1757 by 22-year-old Robert Robinson. In the hymn’s lyrics is a line that always captures my attention and forces me to do some self-evaluation. The line says, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” I feel that way sometimes. Too often I find myself distracted and drifting, instead of having my heart and mind focused on the Savior who loves me and gave Himself for me. Robert Robinson and I are not alone in this.
Cultivating A Heart Of Contentment
Finding contentment in life can be difficult especially when society paints a picture of materialism and covetousness. In this excerpt of his book True North, author Gary Inrig shares insights from Scripture to help you develop a lifestyle based upon kingdom principles. Find out how you can cultivate a heart of contentment when the compass of your soul points toward eternal gain rather than temporary pleasures.
Get Your “Wanter” Fixed
When my wife was a young girl in Austin, Texas, Carlyle Marney was her family’s neighbor, pastor, and friend. One of his off-hand remarks about being content became one of her family’s enduring expressions: “Dr. Marney says, ‘We just need to get our wanter fixed.’”
How To Enjoy Things
In his book Daring To Draw Near, Dr. John White writes that several years earlier God had made it possible for him to acquire a lovely home with many luxuries. His feelings about the house fluctuated dramatically.
Discover How Covetousness Is At The Heart Of Materialism
Monday, June 15, 2009
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s” (Exodus 20:17).
Let’s take a closer look at Matthew chapter 6 to see the right ways, and wrong ways, to apply this passage
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus promised to supply all of our needs. But what about our wants? Are they part of the agreement as well?
Almost Content?
As I stepped into the restaurant parking lot after lunch, I saw a pickup truck speeding through the parked vehicles. While observing the driver’s reckless behavior, I noticed the words on the truck’s front license plate. It read, “Almost Content.”
More, More, More
Some people love to shop. They have a perpetual desire to buy, buy, buy. The craze to find the latest deal is worldwide. There are huge shopping malls in China, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the Philippines, the United States, and around the world. A rise in store purchases and online buying show that buying is a global phenomenon.
Don’t Forget
I don’t agree with those who rail against material things and say that owning stuff is inherently evil. And I have to admit that I’m a consumer—often tempted to pad my pile of treasures with items I think I need.
What does it means to be well-off financially and still follow Christ?
Is the decision to serve money over God a choice we make with our wallets, or is it a decision we make with our hearts?
How to put our possessions in their proper place
Most of us would deny ever making a conscious decision to serve money. But the choice to place our possessions over Christ is subtle, and common! Let's look at Jesus' teaching on loyalty.
All That Is Precious
Throughout my life, I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff. I have boxes of things that at one time were important but over time have lost their intrigue. And, as an unrepentant collector, I’ve realized that the thrill is in searching for and acquiring a new piece to add to the collection. Then my attention turns toward the hunt for the next item.
Making a difference for God
Often the major changes in our lives are precipitated by outside influences. And those influences don’t always guide us down the right path! Join the conversation as the team invites us to consider the changes that take us in the right direction.
