In the sixth chapter of Ecclesiastes Solomon warns us against the woeful disease of materialism. The similarities between idolatry and materialism make the two nearly identical. Dealing with materialism is a very difficult problem because it can become very difficult to identify. We live in a material world and we have undeniable material needs. To that reality must be added that we as responsible creatures under God’s care and supervision have an obligation to carefully and wisely provide for our own material needs:
1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
The big issue that we all must deal with is when does our faithful pursuit of material things become “materialism”. It is my firm conviction that we will face this issue in the judgment. It is therefore not simply an academic or mute question. Notice this warning from the pen of the apostle Paul:
Colossians 3:5
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
It was not long ago that a missionary indicted me and pastors like me of inept leadership due to the material fruits of our ministries. I do not take such comments and observations lightly. Certainly as pastors we ought to have an eye on the obvious material results of our ministries, but must we not also have a close eye on our absolute requirement of faithfulness to the Scriptures? When push comes to shove is when the dreaded materialism is evidenced. Shall we be in all ways faithful to the Scriptures or shall material results be our standard? Who our god is will be clearly exposed by the standard that drives us.
