Materialism and the Christian

John 6:27



"Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you."



In this age of American consumer-minded materialism, these verses are especially worth noting. With men being so driven in their quest for castles in the sand, it is good to remember that the things of earth fade away, and the riches of this earth will perish in due time. Americans are motivated by wealth, and the desire for worldly riches overshadows the pursuit of God. These verses, however, teach that seeking after God is the most important thing in the world, surpassing the need for worldly wealth. Believing on the Son, Jesus who was sent by God as a propitiation for sinners, is crucial. So many families are ruined by the false belief that money is everything, that if they can only work hard and earn enough now, that they can be happy and relax later in life. Don't be fooled by this LIE! The Bible makes it clear that our main focus in life is not to be on temporal things, but rather on seeking after God.

"Labour not for the meat which perisheth."

This is not saying that we cannot work for a living, that it's wrong to have a job, that one cannot support his family. Rather, the Bible teaches that those things are very important:


1Ti 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.


2Th 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

It is easily seen that laboring for food and providing for one's house are necessary things, and that those who fail to do these things are in sin. However, the verse as a whole emphasizes that making money should not be the main focus of our lives. This truth is CRUCIAL in modern day American culture. So many families are driven apart because one or both parents are more concerned with material things than with seeking the Lord, spending quality family time, etc. Therefore, do not abandon your vocation, but temper your time there, and do not place money over God and family. Seek God first. Always seek Him first. Some might argue that they might not be able to provide comfortably for their families if they did this. Well . . .


Mat 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

This verse isn't promising that you'll have money coming out your ears when you seek God first, but it is assuring that God blesses whose who put Him at the forefront of their lives. Whether those blessings will be made manifest in this life or withheld till the life to come we do not know--it is different for all people--however, know that God HAS promised this, and that God ALWAYS keeps His promises. Seek Him first. Failing to do this because we fear poverty is not trusting God. Don't abandon your job, but don't put in in the place that God rightfully deserves in your life. God freely grants eternal life, He freely blesses His people with wisdom and knowledge of himself, so take advantage of that. Seek Him with all that is in you, run after holiness, and put God first in your life at all times. I'm not saying that this is easy--to the contrary. The world is like a strong vacuum, attempting to suck us down into sins like materialism--it must be resisted through prayer, reading the Word, etc. Resist sin. God blesses those who obey Him, so labor for God, and He will be faithful to provide.