An “Affluenza” Epidemic
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
As people in our affluent society stock up on cell phones, iPods, and flat-panel TVs — we might call it an “affluenza” epidemic. Folks are attempting to find security in “more stuff” — “stuff” that is temporary and fleeting (cf. Proverbs 23:5; Matthew 6:19-21).
The Bible calls the pursuit of more stuff as simple “greed” (Ephesians 5:3 NASB; Ephesians 5:5 NASB; Colossians 3:5 NASB). Jesus warned His followers about greed by telling a story of a rich man. His primary fault was not that he had an abundance of bumper crops or that he decided to build more storage space (Luke 12:16-18).
His fault was that he put his trust in his possessions (Luke 12:15). He drew his security from his material goods, failing to be “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21; cf. 1 Timothy 6:18-19).
Rejecting the knowledge and precepts of God as the basis for his life, made him a fool. He was living for the moment while being presumptuous regarding the future (Luke 12:19-20).
Folks, the “good life” cannot be found in acquiring “more stuff.” Rather, we’ll find true satisfaction only when we invest our resources and lives in and for God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
One poet so fittingly wrote:
He possessed all the world had to give him,
He had reached every coveted goal;
But, alas, his life was a failure,
For he had forgotten his soul.
Related Articles:
- Overcoming Greed
- The Difficulty Of Having Riches And Serving The Lord
- Learn To Be Content!