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Last Updated on : November 23, 2014

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DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD
A Short Treatise On Standards For Christadelphians

Materialism

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We put time, energy and interest into that which we esteem valuable. We have more leisure time today than any past generation ever did. The sad fact is that "the love of many has waxed cold" for the things of Christ, while zeal can still be found for activities outside service to Christ. Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt and so should we. The possessions and glory of this life are temporal and soon to pass away for ever, "but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18). "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (self-control)" (Gal. 5:22). If we spend our time cultivating these qualities, we shall receive an "inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away" (1 Pet. 1:4).

We need to sharpen our vision of the coming Kingdom; for where there is no vision the people perish" (Prov. 29:18). How real is the Kingdom in our eyes? When this vision is blurred by "the things that are seen", peril faces us.

We must not fret because of the prosperity of the wicked about us, for they shall soon be cut down (Psalm 37). Our hopes are fixed upon the future, not on the present, and are guaranteed by the Almighty, independent of human striving.

"A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15). His most valued possession is life itself: "For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?" (Matt. 16:26 R.S.V.). Contrary to these principles, our neighbours in the world have made possessions their god and every effort is made to increase them. But the unprecedented riches of this age have not brought contentment. Instead, the possession of much has led to the desire for even more. Such is the avarice of the human heart.

The world's advertising insidiously panders to man's pride and prestige. We are encouraged to buy things which are "bigger", "better" and "improved", while discarding those which are generally adequate. Thus, almost unconsciously, men bow to the god of this world.

Our Heavenly Father has freely given that which can bring contentment: "godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim. 6:6). This contentment centres in what Christ can give: "He that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). Faith, hope and love find their most perfect expression in the promises of an all-wise and merciful Creator.

Because we are flesh, we are liable to be caught up in the tangle of materialism. We need the eye of faith to avoid placing value upon "the things which are seen".

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness" (Matt. 6:33).

The Lord Jesus Christ had "not where to lay his head" (Luke 9:58). In professing to be his followers, we accept the wisdom of the exhortation: "Set your affection on things above, NOT ON THINGS ON THE EARTH" (Col. 3:2). The question remains do we uphold this in our daily life?

We need to constantly assess our values. If we spend time, money and energy on this world's goods to the neglect of Christ, then we need to change our ways. Where our treasure is, there will our heart be also. We cannot serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:19-34).

PLEASURES

 

 

 

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