Materialism Materialism is the number one enemy of God’s spiritual kingdom, the church.  American Christians are the ones who are being ensnared in this trap, and the kingdom is not advancing as it has in the past.  In our repentance we have not let go of our worldly ways.  We look for the quick fix to situations and don’t have a clue that there are long term consequences for many of the decisions we make.  Those of this world live for the moment, and far too many who call themselves Christians are following the gospel of this world. In times past we have fought spiritual battles against those who teach error.  We still need to do that.  Today the problem with the church is within the church.  There are more half-hearted Christians today than there were in times past.  The half-hearted ones can’t be counted on to be reliable and dependable.  They put their self interests first.  That is the way of this world and the materialist.  If seriously sought at all, the kingdom of God and His righteousness is not evidenced as being anywhere close to first place.  With hypocrisy we may mouth the right words of Jesus who is supposed to be our Lord/Master and say, “But   seek  first the  kingdom  of  God  and His  righteousness, and all  these THINGS shall be added to you”        (Matt. 6:33).  God knows we need “things” like food, clothing, and shelter but He clearly reminds us to       get our PRIORITIES RIGHT! Satan would have us devalue our unseen God, our own souls, and the church family Christ died for.  Satan often gives good reasons to be this way, but we must not forget that he is a liar.  Too many in the church today are acting like Esau who thought he would just starve to death if he did not satisfy himself for the moment and eat a mess of red beans (Gen. 25:29-34).  Today the church is not as pure as she has been in times past.  It would appear that many in the church have left the joy and thrill they had in the past regarding their first love they had with Christ (Rev. 2:4).  No clear  thinking person would trade heaven for     a bowl of red beans today.  Many unthinking people are doing this very thing. Many brethren including some preachers among us are wandering from the truth.  God would use those among us who consider themselves to be strong spiritually to turn them back to the truth.  All of us need to understand that if we can turn a sinner from the error of his way we will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins (Jas. 5:19-20). The undefined god called “materialism” is supported by another idol that many worship called “money.”   Christians forget too quickly that we are commanded by the Holy Spirit through the writings of Paul to “put to death…covetousness which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5).  Covetousness is still alive and well among us in the church.  Consider your own collection on any given Sunday. Is it what it should be?  What is it again that is supposed to be FIRST? What are our priorities?  Sit down and talk with your mate and your children regarding your priorities.  They read us well.  Be open, be honest, and be ready to repent.  Do we live for things, or is there more to you than just the toys with which you and I choose to surround ourselves? Now let us understand this, Money is not evil.  Every Sunday we ask ourselves to share and give money to help with the advancement of spiritual and eternal causes.  Money used to enhance the work of Christ is not of itself either good or evil; HOWEVER, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from  the  faith in  their GREEDINESS, and  pierced  themselves  through  with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:10).  Today we have TV game shows enticing us to become millionaires.  We have the lottery, casinos, bingo and TV info-commercials as to various get RICH quick schemes.  We use too much  of our time and energy on materialistic endeavors as if they will satisfy our real needs. Do you mean that there really is another way to look at life other than materialistically?  Yes, friend, there is.  If you have bought into believing that you are only an evolved animal, then, no, there is no other way to look at life; but if you believe that you are  created in the image  of God, you have  a spark of God within you.  Yes, there is for sure, a better way to view life than that of a self-centered for the moment animal. To the Christian the purpose for living is to satisfy and fulfill the perfect will of God.  For the materialist it is to acquire the most toys/things.  Two  entirely  different  value  systems are  being  practiced.  Many Christians and materialists delude themselves by  trying to have  it both ways.  It can not possibly work.   Clearly, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to  the one  and  despise the  other.  You  cannot  serve  God  and mammon (money/materialism)”         (Matt. 6:24). Materialism is America’s god.  It is easy for Christians who are Americans to get caught up in this rat race mentality.  Americans dabble in pseudo-Christianity and get all riled up with the phrases, “In God We Trust” and “One Nation under God.”  Of course, the display of the Ten Commandments and prayers have been taken out  of most public events.  Our God deserves more  than these superficial and deceptive allegiances.  God deserves ALL of our hearts, souls, and minds (Mt. 22:37).  Are you giving your ALL to your creator, your God, today?