>> Verses to Scan (NIV)
- Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.
- Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
>> Websites to check
These recommended websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of Zondervan, nor do we vouch for their content.
- http://www.boundless.org/2002_2003/departments/head_and_heart/a0000693.html An article dealing with materialism in our culture.
- http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/7c1/7c1026.html A great article on materialism and the attraction of shopping and “stuff.”
- http://www.simpleliving.org/ A website that encourages Christians to live simply.
- http://www.generousgiving.org/ A site devoted to encouraging giving.
>> Thoughts to Ponder
- Advertising tries to convince us to fill some kind of need we have with material things. Lonely? Go shopping. Or eat a pint of ice cream. Unhappy about your appearance? Just buy these brand-name clothes. They’ll make you look cool and sexy. Advertising suggests that certain clothes or possessions will fill your deepest longings. And that’s just not true. When you hear those messages, call ‘em what they are—lies—and remind yourself of what’s true.
- Is money the secret to happiness in life? Just look closely at the lives of the richest people on earth. Notice that they’re also some of the most miserable. Check out 1 Timothy 6:10 for a new look at $$$.
>> Books to Read
- Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ronald J. Sider, a challenge for Christians to live more simply.
Find out how to buy this... - Godly Materialism by John Schneider, a response to Sider’s book that encourages Christians to celebrate material blessings.
Find out how to buy this... - Money and Success by James Dobson, Ph.D., advice for thinking about money and success.
Find out how to buy this...