We’ve bought the lie.
We have. And probably with a coupon. It was on sale. We don’t need it and we have so many other things like it….but not like this one thing we want. We justify our want into a need.
We see it. We want it. We justify. We pay the price. We’ve bought the lie.
Materialism. We’re saturated in it. Even many of us who believe we are living “humbly” are living the life of royalty in comparison to what we need.
We’ve bought the lie that we need a new [insert item here] every day. The lie that’s been purchased comes with a guarantee: materialism worldview for life. That includes, but is not limited to, living without challenge or growth. Those who are viewed to have a lesser version are guaranteed to be looked down upon or pitied because, after all, we need to have a new outfit for every day. A new hairstyle. A new fragrance. You name it.
If you don’t have it, you’re looked down upon as a person of lower “status”….sometimes even a failure.
We’ve bought the lie. Whether you used a coupon, paid full price, have the entire package, or have the downgraded version. We’ve bought the lie of materialism- our identity is now found in “stuff.”
What folly to place our identity in things that will pass away!
As I packed for the World Race trip, I’ve been reminded of the lie I bought.
I’ve realized I put my faith and security in things that decompose. I put my trust in comfort. Often times, I call myself a creature of habit and of comfort.
We’ve never been called to comfort here on earth.
We need to exchange our purchase of the materialism lie for God’s truth. The best part? His merchandise is free for the taking.
It can and will cost to use it- for many will ridicule you for receiving a “free” item, because it appears physically lacking to those who bought the lie of materialism. They will try to size up your gift with their possessions and tell you you came out short.
But His gift is safety of your soul. They may resent you for your “free” gift, and try to tell you that because it was free for you that it is of no value…but the truth is, it is free to you because it was already paid for- at full price.
The love and salvation of Jesus Christ is greater than any deal you can get on the next new thing.
It’s time for me to leave behind the lie I bought. It’s time to trust God for my value and security.
And I’ll be honest- I didn’t consider myself materialistic.
Our society is so saturated in it, we have forgotten how little we truly need.
Someone will always have more or less stuff than you. Don’t justify your purchase of any lie.
The more stuff you have; the less room you have in your soul for the things of God.
So that being said, I can say I’m packed for the race….after many packings and unpackings. I pulled so much “stuff” out…and I have a feeling I’ll pull more stuff out as I journey on this path.
Three days and counting…Costa Rica, here we come!
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV)
