The Allure of Materialism: A Threat to the Gospel
In our modern world, a fourth “ism” has emerged as a dominant force: materialism. This ideology is closely tied to secularism, which asserts that the physical world is all that exists. As a result, materialism dictates that the only values worth pursuing are those that can be measured in material terms.
The Cult of Celebrity
When asked about their heroes, many young people today name the rich and famous – individuals like Michael Jackson and Madonna. The latter, often referred to as “the material girl,” embodies the values of materialism: wealth, fame, and pleasure. It’s no surprise that many young people aspire to emulate her lifestyle.
A Devastating Legacy
But materialism is not limited to the younger generation. Even some evangelicals have fallen prey to its allure. As T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Rock” so aptly describes:
“Here were a decent godless people:
Their only monument the asphalt road
And a thousand lost golf balls.”
A Stark Contrast
How different is the example set by Jesus Christ! Born into poverty, He lived a life of simplicity and humility. At His trial, He declared, “My kingdom is not of this world… My kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36). When He died, He was laid in a borrowed tomb.
A Higher Standard
Jesus Christ operated on a completely different set of values, one that prioritized the spiritual over the material. As believers, we are called to follow His example, rather than conforming to the world’s sinful and destructive “isms.”
A Call to Transformation
In his book “Whatever Happened to The Gospel of Grace?”, James Montgomery Boice argues that ignorance of God and neglect of the gospel are at the root of evangelicalism’s problems. By rediscovering the doctrines of the Reformation, we can find a solution to the church’s woes and be transformed into the image of Christ.
A Time for Reflection
As we consider the allure of materialism, let us remember the words of Jesus: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matt. 8:20). May we strive to follow His example, prioritizing the eternal over the temporal, and living a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God.
Leave a Reply