If you visit a mall, you will see stores filled with wonderful things. You will see clothes that everyone seems to be wearing and shoes that the “popular” crowd prefers. Unfortunately, many people choose their friends based on what they own rather than who they are.
Because of this, some people feel left out or insecure when they do not wear the latest fashion trends. Others feel bad because they do not own the newest video games or the latest gadgets.
It is tragic when people measure their self-worth by their material possessions. Even worse, some people refuse to befriend—or even make fun of—those who do not own the latest popular items.
What Really Matters?
This obsession with material goods can easily make us forget what is truly important. The reality is that your value does not come from your possessions; you are important because God created you as a unique individual.
If someone refuses to be your friend simply because you do not dress like them or own the same things, they are not a friend worth having.
Understanding Covetousness
This constant focus on owning more is called covetousness (a greedy desire for more wealth or possessions). A covetous person:
- Wants what they do not have.
- Is never satisfied with what they already own.
- Spends too much time thinking about material things.
According to Galatians 3:5, covetousness is actually a form of idolatry (worshipping anything other than the true God). When we focus too much on things, those possessions become like a god to us. We begin to care more about material items than we do about our Creator.
Find True Contentment
It is easy to get excited about receiving gifts during birthdays and holidays. However, we often find that the excitement fades, and we quickly start wanting something else. While it is not wrong to own nice things, we must not let them rule our lives.
Your relationship with God and other people must always come before material things.
- Choose friends for who they are, not what they have.
- Remember that some of the worst people have the most possessions, while some of the best people have very little.
- Focus on being content (happy and satisfied with what you have).
As the Bible warns in 1 Timothy 6:6-10, the desperate desire to be rich can easily lead us away from God.
Private Reflection Journal
What is one thing from this study that you can apply to your life today? Jot down your thoughts below.