How do you view materialistic people?

[eh7]

I have a friend who wrote this:

"I think some guys who dislike materialistic girls wouldn't feel the same way if they could meet our demands"

So being materialistic is good or bad? To what extent is good?

Any comment?

 

[HannahBanana]

Wow, that friend of yours sounds quite shallow and snobby. I'm glad that I'm not friends with her, because I would have written her a scathing reply in response to that comment of hers.

As for what I think of materialism, I think that it's one of the biggest things that we, as American Christians, have to fight against these days. Life in this country has become a contest of "who can buy the coolest things," which totally goes against what Christ said about not loving money more than you love God. I personally hate how materialistic I am. Recently, I bought an iPod Touch even though I already had an iPod Photo (which, although it was 3 years old, still worked just fine). I know I shouldn't have bought the iPod Touch, but when I walked into the Apple Store, it was like my rational mind turned off and my materialistic mind turned on. And now that I have the iPod Touch, I keep buying more and more applications for it, even though I don't need them. I wish I knew how to stop this habit of mine, but I don't. And very few other people in this country know how to stop their spending habits, either, which is why so many Americans are in debt these days.

 

[Lino]

Being materlialistic isn't good, and I agree with the poster above me (though I don't have an iPod at all, just allot of other stuff I don't really need).

 

[Thunder Peel]

I don't think there's anything wrong with having stuff; it's when it consumes us and takes the place of God that it becomes a problem. I've seen this happen in my own life and it can be a tough habit of thought to break. God has blessed me with so much that I don't deserve and it's up to me to be wise with my money and possessions.

As always, prayer helps a lot and focusing on others can help too. Instead of buying something that you don't need you can always donate money to your church or a charity or mission trip that you feel strongly about. Material things aren't bad but when they become our main focus instead of God then it gets serious. Lately the Lord has really been working in this area for me and slowly I'm learning to put Him first. If you pray and ask for His help He'll come through.

 

[HannahBanana]

I don't think there's anything wrong with having stuff; it's when it consumes us and takes the place of God that it becomes a problem. I've seen this happen in my own life and it can be a tough habit of thought to break. God has blessed me with so much that I don't deserve and it's up to me to be wise with my money and possessions.

As always, prayer helps a lot and focusing on others can help too. Instead of buying something that you don't need you can always donate money to your church or a charity or mission trip that you feel strongly about. Material things aren't bad but when they become our main focus instead of God then it gets serious. Lately the Lord has really been working in this area for me and slowly I'm learning to put Him first. If you pray and ask for His help He'll come through.

You don't think that it's bad to have things when each and every "thing" that we own takes a bit more of our focus away from God? I mean, what about your computer? Are you really focusing on God when you use it? I doubt it. And what about your TV? Do you focus on God when you watch TV shows? I doubt that as well. So how can you seriously think that a truly devoted Christian can own things?

 

[Thunder Peel]

You don't think that it's bad to have things when each and every "thing" that we own takes a bit more of our focus away from God? I mean, what about your computer? Are you really focusing on God when you use it? I doubt it. And what about your TV? Do you focus on God when you watch TV shows? I doubt that as well. So how can you seriously think that a truly devoted Christian can own things?

Perhaps I should have been a bit clearer. What I meant was when people overindulge constantly. For instance, there's nothing wrong with watching television; however, if you were to spend 20 hours a day watching then I think it could be considered a problem. It's the same with a computer or anything else, once they become a major distraction then that could cause problems.

There's no way for us to think about God every second of our lives; my point was that ultimately we should worship Him and not the things He's given us. It's a bit hard to explain for me but hopefully that clears some of it up. If we forsake going to church, reading our Bible or our families in place of material possessions then I think it may be time to take another look.

 

[HannahBanana]

Perhaps I should have been a bit clearer. What I meant was when people overindulge constantly. For instance, there's nothing wrong with watching television; however, if you were to spend 20 hours a day watching then I think it could be considered a problem. It's the same with a computer or anything else, once they become a major distraction then that could cause problems.

There's no way for us to think about God every second of our lives; my point was that ultimately we should worship Him and not the things He's given us. It's a bit hard to explain for me but hopefully that clears some of it up. If we forsake going to church, reading our Bible or our families in place of material possessions then I think it may be time to take another look.

I guess this is just an issue that you and I disagree on, then, because I think that Christ does want us to spend as much of the day worshipping Him as we possibly can. And if we're constantly either working, buying things, or using things that we've already bought, we can't spend as much of the day worshipping Him as we could if we worked less, owned less things, and lived a simpler life.

I do see where you're coming from, though. I just disagree with you.

 

[Thunder Peel]

I guess this is just an issue that you and I disagree on, then, because I think that Christ does want us to spend as much of the day worshipping Him as we possibly can. And if we're constantly either working, buying things, or using things that we've already bought, we can't spend as much of the day worshipping Him as we could if we worked less, owned less things, and lived a simpler life.

I do see where you're coming from, though. I just disagree with you.

Okay, I see where you're coming from. I actually agree quite a bit. In fact, lately I've bought less and noticed that I've been focused a bit more on God, which is always a good thing.

I still don't think there's anything wrong with occasionally buying something for yourself as long as you spend more time with God than anything else.

 

[HannahBanana]

Okay, I see where you're coming from. I actually agree quite a bit. In fact, lately I've bought less and noticed that I've been focused a bit more on God, which is always a good thing.

I still don't think there's anything wrong with occasionally buying something for yourself as long as you spend more time with God than anything else.

Yeah, I'm currently trying to break my spending habits, but, like I said in my first post on this thread, I'm not having much luck with that. I've realized that buying things is a form of stress-relief for me, and I hate that fact. Hopefully I'll be able to curb my spending habits soon, though, since I'll have to budget my money once I move into my dorm room at college.

 

[Thunder Peel]

Yeah, I'm currently trying to break my spending habits, but, like I said in my first post on this thread, I'm not having much luck with that. I've realized that buying things is a form of stress-relief for me, and I hate that fact. Hopefully I'll be able to curb my spending habits soon, though, since I'll have to budget my money once I move into my dorm room at college.

Being at school definitely makes a difference with both time and money. It's certainly a good place to learn how to get by with less, at least for me it was.

 

[codya517]

Well the way I view materialistic people is: They're holding on to the things of this world as best as they can...as if they're running out of time and will lose their life. That may be a bit harsh and that is more directed to the unsaved. Some people that don't have God fill their lives with possessions and make it quite dear to them, as if they're going to die and even though they outwardly don't seem to care, inside every person is that tiny voice of truth. They know, they may not see the whole picture but they know "something" isn't right.

As for me, yeah I'm guilty of indulging in material things like everyone else, I bought a video game once when i won a 50$ wal-mart gift card instead of getting the oil changed in my car like it needed. I regret it. I could of used that better. But right now I am broke hehe, I feel God is pulling me away from relying on money and this world and more on Him to provide what I *need*. I can't buy anything but gas and things I need. He has been providing college money too, even when I freak out and I look back and think; "I could have had a little more faith", But He answers desperate prayer and even when I look at myself and think "am I really worth all this effort and work?" and then I think of His love for us and I stop thinking things like that and go back to trying to make my Heavenly Father proud of me.

 

[Apollo Celestio]

I try not to see them as fools, because society slams it into their head from day 1. But it's annoying that people look at me weird when I say I don't want to live to get rich and have nice things.

 

[ChoirCupcake]

I live in one of the most materialistic metroplexes in the nation... it's hard not to be influenced by it.

My wardrobe is puny compared to the rest of my friends, even the friends who are more devoted to God than I am. It's frustrating.. because I wear the same little circuit of clothes over a period of a month or so, while some of my friends have an outfit literally for every day of the year. So naturally I feel like I have to keep up.

But my family's middle class. We're not super rich, nor are we poor. We have enough and some to spare. I think materialism begins when we give into the feeling of inferiority, instead of saying, "God, you give me my identity, not the amount of clothes in my closet... or the new-ness of my cellphone."

There are a lot of things I can live without, and still be very happy. Not that those things are bad... not that you shouldn't buy them... but if you think about it... you really don't need some things. Like a billion shoes to match your million pairs of pants and a dozen purses to match each outfit. (I still find it hard to believe people actually feel the need to match their purse to their clothes.)

I wouldn't go as far as to say, give away your iPod and your new laptop. Those are things that I think are nice little extras in life. But when objects start emptying your wallet, yet God gets like... 10 dollars a week? Or perhaps not even financial things... maybe you go shopping for hours, but only worship God for a few minutes?

Balance is the key here, I think. I still have to work on it too... I don't have balance yet. But that's what will kick materialism's tail.

 

[HannahBanana]

I live in one of the most materialistic metroplexes in the nation... it's hard not to be influenced by it.

My wardrobe is puny compared to the rest of my friends, even the friends who are more devoted to God than I am. It's frustrating.. because I wear the same little circuit of clothes over a period of a month or so, while some of my friends have an outfit literally for every day of the year. So naturally I feel like I have to keep up.

But my family's middle class. We're not super rich, nor are we poor. We have enough and some to spare. I think materialism begins when we give into the feeling of inferiority, instead of saying, "God, you give me my identity, not the amount of clothes in my closet... or the new-ness of my cellphone."

There are a lot of things I can live without, and still be very happy. Not that those things are bad... not that you shouldn't buy them... but if you think about it... you really don't need some things. Like a billion shoes to match your million pairs of pants and a dozen purses to match each outfit. (I still find it hard to believe people actually feel the need to match their purse to their clothes.)

I wouldn't go as far as to say, give away your iPod and your new laptop. Those are things that I think are nice little extras in life. But when objects start emptying your wallet, yet God gets like... 10 dollars a week? Or perhaps not even financial things... maybe you go shopping for hours, but only worship God for a few minutes?

Balance is the key here, I think. I still have to work on it too... I don't have balance yet. But that's what will kick materialism's tail.

So you think that God is okay with us owning anything that isn't absolutely necessary for us to own? What about the fact that every time we go shopping, our attention is taken away from Him until we're done shopping? Do you really think He's okay with that, especially when we don't even need the things we're shopping for?

 

[Thunder Peel]

So you think that God is okay with us owning anything that isn't absolutely necessary for us to own? What about the fact that every time we go shopping, our attention is taken away from Him until we're done shopping? Do you really think He's okay with that, especially when we don't even need the things we're shopping for?

What if a family member or friend asks you to hang out or go shopping with them? Would you still turn that down just because it's not directly involved with God?

Profit is basically having more than what you need. Technically you can get by with only one pair of shoes, one shirt, one pair of pants, etc. I have yet to meet anyone who wears with game clothes everyday for years just because that's all they need to get by. By that reasoning we'd never be allowed to buy books, movies, music, gifts for family members, a new car, or anything else. I don't think there's any harm in buying WITHIN REASON. God expects us to be good stewards with our money but that doesn't mean we're not allowed to buy something fun on occasion. I understand that I have what I have because God has blessed me with it and He deserves all the thanks and praise: too often we don't spend enough time thanking Him for what we DO have.

ChoirCupcake's post echos what I mentioned earlier: I think a healthy balance will keep it in perspective. I highly doubt God would be mad if you spent half an hour in a bookstore or shopping for clothes.

 

[ChoirCupcake]

So you think that God is okay with us owning anything that isn't absolutely necessary for us to own? What about the fact that every time we go shopping, our attention is taken away from Him until we're done shopping? Do you really think He's okay with that, especially when we don't even need the things we're shopping for?

I don't think He wants us to be poor, if that's what you mean. I have a friend who is very well off, but her and her parents often shop at Walmart, because they like to manage their money.

They have a lot of things, but it wasn't always like that. Her dad is a lawyer and he started earning a lot of money because he is a very good, respected lawyer (a Biblical principle of doing your best diligently -- right there) and so they are now what you would call "rich". But I notice that they are also very blatantly, obviously spiritually rich too. They are blessed because they honor God with their careers and with their money. So there is BALANCE.

I have a nice little mp3 player.. it's not an ipod, but it's just as good as one for less money. I listen to worship music on it. Do you think God ignores the worship I sing to Him when I listen to my music just because it is being played on my mp3 player?

I don't think so. I think if you wisely use your money and when you do buy things extra, honor God with them (not like buying a computer, just to use it for pornography) that they are blessings.

All the pastors at my church are well off... but they do not flaunt their blessings, nor do they let them become idols. They are genuine, and for that, God has blessed them. But I know that even if God didn't let them become well off, they would still be pastors; they would still hear from God. I know this because that's how they were in the beginning. They were not well off at first. But as they proved their faithfulness in little, God proved His faithfulness to them by "much".

edit: When I shop, a lot of the time, I have NOT taken my attention off of God. I remember that He wants me to use my money wisely. Remember, the Bible says "Do everything as unto the Lord"

Everything includes shopping, does it not? Or is the Bible just using hyperbole?

 

[HannahBanana]

I don't think He wants us to be poor, if that's what you mean. I have a friend who is very well off, but her and her parents often shop at Walmart, because they like to manage their money.

They have a lot of things, but it wasn't always like that. Her dad is a lawyer and he started earning a lot of money because he is a very good, respected lawyer (a Biblical principle of doing your best diligently -- right there) and so they are now what you would call "rich". But I notice that they are also very blatantly, obviously spiritually rich too. They are blessed because they honor God with their careers and with their money. So there is BALANCE.

I have a nice little mp3 player.. it's not an ipod, but it's just as good as one for less money. I listen to worship music on it. Do you think God ignores the worship I sing to Him when I listen to my music just because it is being played on my mp3 player?

I don't think so. I think if you wisely use your money and when you do buy things extra, honor God with them (not like buying a computer, just to use it for pornography) that they are blessings.

All the pastors at my church are well off... but they do not flaunt their blessings, nor do they let them become idols. They are genuine, and for that, God has blessed them. But I know that even if God didn't let them become well off, they would still be pastors; they would still hear from God. I know this because that's how they were in the beginning. They were not well off at first. But as they proved their faithfulness in little, God proved His faithfulness to them by "much".

edit: When I shop, a lot of the time, I have NOT taken my attention off of God. I remember that He wants me to use my money wisely. Remember, the Bible says "Do everything as unto the Lord"

Everything includes shopping, does it not? Or is the Bible just using hyperbole?

Why is being poor such a bad thing in your eyes? Do you really think that poor people can't live happy, fulfilling lives? Do you really think that you need "things" (such as an mp3 player or a computer) in order to live a happy, fulfilling life?

 

[AlbertanFarmGirl]

Why is being poor such a bad thing in your eyes? Do you really think that poor people can't live happy, fulfilling lives? Do you really think that you need "things" (such as an mp3 player or a computer) in order to live a happy, fulfilling life?

God provides the lives that He has chosen for each person, some may be poorer as the world sees it and some may be more well off. Why if God has provided for you certain blessings, as long as you recognize that they are indeed from Him, would you want not to accept them? The book of Job shows that you can live a rich life, in human perspective, and still be close to God.

 

[Altoman188]

There is nothing wrong with having things. It is when you put your value and worth in things, or when having things becomes more important than doing Gods will. Also it should be noted that our righteousness is not determined by our holiness, that no matter what and how or why we do things, as long as Jesus is our Saviour we will be viewed by God as he views Jesus. Not to say that What we do is of no import, on the contrary, as John piper says, God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in him. Sorry for getting off topic, it sorta been a thing for me recently.

 

[ChoirCupcake]

Why is being poor such a bad thing in your eyes? Do you really think that poor people can't live happy, fulfilling lives? Do you really think that you need "things" (such as an mp3 player or a computer) in order to live a happy, fulfilling life?

I'm not going to discuss this further with you. You just threw everything I just said WAY out of proportion. Something I noticed you did the first time you replied to my post. So I won't waste my time if you won't read what I wrote in the same way I wrote it -- in context, in proportion, etc.

Okay? Okay.

edit: By the way, I'm surprised I didn't notice this before -- you have a computer?