By EEW Magazine Online // Inspiration // Spiritual

Who are you wearing? What is the make and model of your vehicle? How big is the balance in your account? How many square feet is your house? Do you lease it or own it? How much cash did you make so far this year?

In our misguided and materialistic society, we hear questions such as these asked and answered all the time. This sends the message that a person’s worth is tied to the name brands they wear, the money they earn, the house they live in and the car they drive. Some think that if your material possessions are not "up to par," then neither are you.

Wrong! While there is nothing wrong with having nice things, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking stuff rather than seeking God, but the word of the God can help you avoid this snare. Romans 3:14 says “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Here are 5 more useful Scriptures to keep your perspective straight and reveal how God really sees materialism.

1.) 1 John 2:16 (ESV)- “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” Social media show-offs will make you think that if what you own doesn’t scream “rich,” it screams “poor and worthless.” That point of view does not gel with Scripture. As Christians, we are called to be set apart from the world. Our sense of worth and identity is found in an everlasting God and not temporary wealth.

2.) Mark 8:36 (KJV)- “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” We all need money to live, but the question is, is the condition of your bank account more important than the condition of your soul? Since we are seeking an everlasting reward as believers, we know that we cannot bring the pleasures of the world with us into Heaven, so what good is it to obsess over them on earth? We are not here so that the world may benefit us but so Christ through us may benefit the world. Major difference!

3.) 2 Timothy 2:4 (ESV)- “No soldier gets tangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” Our mindset, focus, and priorities are not the same as a person who isn’t Kingdom-minded, right? Therefore, you understand that metaphorically speaking we are soldiers for Christ. Our duty is to profess His unfathomable love to the world! To do this, we must avoid getting distracted by the glamour of life and the trivial pursuits that consume many others.

4.) Colossians 3:2 (NIV)- “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” What should we think about? Care about? Be about? Our Father’s business, that’s what. Our goal as followers of Jesus is to be heavenly-minded and not carnal-minded. Our thoughts should correspond to His will, because we are made in His image and have been placed here for His purpose and glory (Ephesians 4:24).

5.) Mark 4:18-19 (ESV)- “And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” Being sown among the thorns means that you get sucked into the allure of the world and are not truly transformed by the Word. Resist the temptations this world presents. Don’t trade in your immortal soul for temporary pleasures.

Hang on to your faith, fellow believer. Bask in God’s love. Seek after His Kingdom. Share the good news of the gospel with others. For that is truly what matters and is most valuable.