Kings of Israel were specifically warned not to accumulate horses, wives, and gold. Why? Because these would then become the centre of the king's gravity.
Solomon had seen his father's bad example. Prosperous King David, spoiled by getting everything he wanted, did not deny himself one more possession - another man's wife.
It's not how much we make that matters. It's how much we keep.
We can be content with the necessities of life because the deepest, most satisfying delights God gives us through creation are free gifts from nature and loving relationships with people. After your basic needs are met, money begins to diminish your capacity for these pleasures rather than increase them. Buying things contributes absolutely nothing to the heart's capacity for joy. There is a deep difference between the temporary thrill of a new toy and a homecoming hug from a devoted friend. Who do you think has the deepest most satisfying joy in life, the man who pays $100 for a fortieth floor suite downtown and spends his evening in the half-lit, smoke filled lounge impressing strange women with ten dollar cocktails, or the man who chooses the Motel 6 by a vacant lot of sunflowers and spends his evening watching the sunset and writing a love letter to his wife? - John Piper
The End of Religion? Examining the Role of Religiousness, Materialism and Long-Term Orientation on Consumer Ethics in Indonesia
Materialistic Behavior of a Tourist
No comments:
Post a Comment