We live in a strange age of short cash, easy credit, and out-of-control covetousness.  Confusing wants for needs, too many of us race through life in a mad scramble for more and more of less and less, leaving us never never fully satisfied, never completely content.  Ours has become a world governed by greed.

Jesus warns, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”  (Luke 12:15.)

Paul teaches, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For 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 Timothy 6:6-10.)

Life is too short, death and judgment are too certain, and eternity is too endless for us to give undue importance to money and the things money can buy.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”  (1 John 2:15-17.)

The world, “lying in wickedness,” may be obsessed with material things, but “we are of God.”  (1 John 5:19.)

It’s time we started acting like it!