Instead of trying to get ahead, realize that you already are!
The second thing I do that helps me with my materialistic bent is to change the way I think about life. I have been to Doropo, Ivory Coast and these people have nothing. IF you look at the picture to the right its me in one of their kitchens. They live completely different than you and I. We worry about making it to the grocery store before it closes. They have no grocery store. Even worse their land is not fertile like ours. Therefore it yields few crops. We get a tooth ache and we go to the dentist to have it fixed. They have no dentist. Their aching tooth often turns into an infection and can easly cause a deformity. I walked away from this experience and realized if the economy failed and I lost everything I would be ok because I live in the USA. I can work my land in a hobby and produce far more than these people ever could in their land. Don’t get me wrong I love stuff and I enjoy buying toys just like everyone else . While there is nothing wrong with having nice things there is somehting very unhealthy about a life that is in constant pursuit of things. Now instead of trying to get ahead I have realized that I already am. I am amazed at how free this has made me on the inside. I am more relaxed and calm and this is how I am battling my materiaism.
- Look around at what you already have
- Realize that you live in the most resourceful country in the world
- Realize that needs and wants are two different things
- God has promised to supply your needs
NIV Matthew 6:31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Tell me what you are thinking!
A few days ago I let my selfishness get the best of me. In this particular instance it dealt with my job. I feel like I could be so much more useful, spiritually and physically, doing something else to the point were I took for granted what God has given me to provide for my family but also the chances that arise to further the kingdom. The other day I would have missed the opportunity that arose to help and bear witness to a person I work with that was struggling with some very tough worldly issues if God wouldn’t have slapped me in the face and said wake up fool. Its moments like this that make you realize that as long as you have faith that God is in control of your life, then you are exactly where you should be; nothing is arbitrary. I guess it’s that underlying materialistic desire that fuels the want to be somewhere else making more money or doing something you love?
I’m digging these little daily breads Jimbo keep it up.
Dustin,
It’s encouraging to have you as part of the conversation!
I can’t wait to get on everyday and read each blog to start my day. Each one reminds me of a time in my life that I can relate to. About 8 or 9 years ago Roland and I had gotten caught up in materialism and found ourselves financially in a mess beyond our control. We had this big house with a huge mortgage, credit card debt, amoung others things and a new baby to top it off. I so wanted to quit work and stay home with the children but it was impossible on paper. It was possible but we couldn’t see it. God said give up all that “stuff” you think you have to have and sell everything and get a trailer house and sell those expensive cars and buy used ones and you will be happier than you have ever been. So thats what we did. We sold everything and off to the trailer we went. I quit my job and am blessed to still be a stay at home mom to this day and financially we are better off now then we have ever been. Good stuff, brother. Keep it coming!!
I’m thinking I wish I had learned this lesson years and years ago – because at this stage of my life things could be very different. I shouldn’t be in the position I’m in financially and have only myself to blame. I was pretty materialistic – if I wanted it I bought it even if I had to use plastic. But I choose to look forward – yesterday is history, take life one day at a time, and do things that are meaningful in the Kingdom. Relationships and people are what are important to me now. I try to view life through the eyes of Christ and it really helps me to be happy with what I have and thankful for what I have. I’m at a place in my life where one of the happiest moments for me this year was the day I finally tithed! Thanks for the great message.