21:54
Unknown
Money is sometimes called brain candy. Have you ever noticed that most of us can't seem to get enough of it? Its influence is uncannily nefarious because, in fact, it's nothing more than an artificial sweetener.
Wheather we realize it or not, money is a potential force that can kill spirituality and alter our relationship with Christ. For many, money is the god of this world. Money seems to have this godlike power that blurs people's spiritual decisions.But it's only a demigod; it has limitastions.
Millions of people have a misguided faith in money. The religion of money is materialism, a philosophy based on offering credit that produces debt. This combination of credit and debt is like the "heads" and "tails" of ; but it's counterfeit, and its foundation is quicksand. These symbiotic twins- credit and debt- cannot be separated, neither can they stand the ultimate test of their own philosophy. The system fails when debtors cannot repay their debts assets of creditors are destroyed.
The great recession of 2007 is proof of this phenomenon. And sadly, the regulations that created the financial bubble remain unchanged. This should not surprise us.
The Bible instructs us to save and invest. " The wise store up choice food and olive"( Prov. 21:20, NIV). This leads to contentment. But materialism drives us consume and borrow. This endless cycle of consumerism is often the sanctuary in which many gather to worship. Christianity's version of materialism is the " prosperity gospel", and most megachurches have succumbed.
Materialism has its own mystical potion, and is pervasive in both secular and religious advertising, even attempting to appeal to girls as young as 3 years old. Commercials create subtle dissatisfaction and discontenment with what we have, and suggest that happiness is restored if we buy their products. It is the elixir that reaches the brain's limbic system, where feelings and emotions reside. Its appeal triggers greed and keeps us coming back to money as bonded materialists who are unafraid of digging deeper into debt.
One person said ironically, " I shop because it's retail therapy." How do believers survive the allure of such a powerful and captivating demigod?
The remedy to materialism has been around since the days of Adam. Disregarded by some, rejected by others, gratitude to God is the antidote to materialsm. " Prayer is the key in the hand of faith," wrote Ellen White; and gratitude is the glove that fits that hand. An our offerings demonstrate our gratitude for what Jesus has done for us( in that order). Just as credit and debt are inseparable, the tithe and offerings system cannot be separated; it was conceived in the mind of God.
Materialism shrivels in presence of gratitude to God, and the god of this world holds no sway. Faithful stewards invest, the world spends; we save, the world uses; we give, and happiness and contentment are nurtured. Giving is the ultimate brain candy.
Wheather we realize it or not, money is a potential force that can kill spirituality and alter our relationship with Christ. For many, money is the god of this world. Money seems to have this godlike power that blurs people's spiritual decisions.But it's only a demigod; it has limitastions.
Millions of people have a misguided faith in money. The religion of money is materialism, a philosophy based on offering credit that produces debt. This combination of credit and debt is like the "heads" and "tails" of ; but it's counterfeit, and its foundation is quicksand. These symbiotic twins- credit and debt- cannot be separated, neither can they stand the ultimate test of their own philosophy. The system fails when debtors cannot repay their debts assets of creditors are destroyed.
The great recession of 2007 is proof of this phenomenon. And sadly, the regulations that created the financial bubble remain unchanged. This should not surprise us.
The Bible instructs us to save and invest. " The wise store up choice food and olive"( Prov. 21:20, NIV). This leads to contentment. But materialism drives us consume and borrow. This endless cycle of consumerism is often the sanctuary in which many gather to worship. Christianity's version of materialism is the " prosperity gospel", and most megachurches have succumbed.
Materialism has its own mystical potion, and is pervasive in both secular and religious advertising, even attempting to appeal to girls as young as 3 years old. Commercials create subtle dissatisfaction and discontenment with what we have, and suggest that happiness is restored if we buy their products. It is the elixir that reaches the brain's limbic system, where feelings and emotions reside. Its appeal triggers greed and keeps us coming back to money as bonded materialists who are unafraid of digging deeper into debt.
One person said ironically, " I shop because it's retail therapy." How do believers survive the allure of such a powerful and captivating demigod?
The remedy to materialism has been around since the days of Adam. Disregarded by some, rejected by others, gratitude to God is the antidote to materialsm. " Prayer is the key in the hand of faith," wrote Ellen White; and gratitude is the glove that fits that hand. An our offerings demonstrate our gratitude for what Jesus has done for us( in that order). Just as credit and debt are inseparable, the tithe and offerings system cannot be separated; it was conceived in the mind of God.
Materialism shrivels in presence of gratitude to God, and the god of this world holds no sway. Faithful stewards invest, the world spends; we save, the world uses; we give, and happiness and contentment are nurtured. Giving is the ultimate brain candy.
Posted in: Wealth Building
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