How I Know Materialism Still Affects Me

Humans are naturally quantifying creatures.

It doesn't take much for us to notice that 5 apples is greater than 1 apple, that $10 is worth more than $5, and that 20 pieces of candy is more numerous than 10. All it takes is common sense.

But how does "common sense" warp our view of heavenly wealth?

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So far, I think I've done a pretty good job of training myself to be jealous after the Lord and not be swayed by the latest trends, hottest gadgets, or most popular celebrities. Envying that kind of wealth is not my problem area.

But when I see a sister in Church who loves and delights in the Lord... and who has a perfect family, an awesome boyfriend, the most loving group of friends, a set career, and/or a promising future... having God alone no longer seem to be enough for me. I begin wanting just a several more tiny things on top of Him: a certain amount of stability in my salary, just one or two good friends who really care for me, a loving family in the future. Just some basic things, God, I pray. This sneaky voice called "common sense" begins to whisper in my ear, "If this one sister can have God and all these other things too, why can't you?"

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Just as common sense tells us that 5 apples is greater than 1, common sense makes us desire wealth both in heaven and on earth. But the Scripture describes the kingdom of heaven as a treasure so valuable and desirable that the man sold all he had to obtain it. It was all he could ever want.

As I stand at this strange juncture between the end of my college years and the beginning of my young adult life, I know that this is one area in my heart that I need to be wary of. Whatever God's calling for my life may be --rich or poor, married or single, persecuted or loved -- I simply want His favor to be the joy of my heart!

"He who has God and many other things has no more than he who has God alone."