It’s that time of year again: the season of stuff. Of course, holidays mean more than material things. It is a time for family, giving, gratitude, and celebrating God’s goodness. Still, despite all my good intentions for the holiday season, materialism creeps its way in. Before I know it, I’m spending too much time thinking about what I want.
Right now I find myself obsessing over Christmas dresses for family photos, gifts for my daughters and extended family, additional serving ware I wish I had for Thanksgiving, an overpriced ornament that would look beautiful on my tree, wrapping paper patterns, and–oh yes, my own personal wish list. It’s actually sort of exhausting to think about stuff so much, but yet I do it. (Tell me I’m not alone!) I tell myself I’m just being selective so that our home is not overrun with junk but instead filled with meaningful items. It’s actually a minimalist approach…sort of. The problem with knowing what I want is that I can’t always have what I want. Then what? Materialism is a trap that leads to selfishness, insecurity, and a sadness toward life.
Words of Wisdom about Materialism
Jesus had some words of wisdom for those of us who tend to be consumed with the material things of this earth. Luke 12:15 says,
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Jesus goes on to tell them about a man who made plans to selfishly store up much so that he could be carefree for the rest of his life. Then God tells him he is going to die before he can enjoy it. Jesus proceeded to warn us not to worry about our material needs in the future.
Rich in God, not in Possessions
Does this mean we should splurge right now with all we have? Of course not. Jesus is saying all this in relation to our giving. At this same time we read about being rich toward God and giving to the poor. So the idea is that we should not be consumed with worry. Nor should we neglect sharing our blessings with others in order to store up excess for ourselves, because time on this earth is fleeting. We should live our lives in light of eternity. I encourage you to read Luke 12:13-34 if you struggle with materialism.
Is it wrong to think about what gifts I’d like to give my children, or what I might put on my own Christmas list? No; however, allowing these material things to control my joy or prevent me from giving to others is wrong. Materialism draws us further from God. it is sin.
An Action Plan
I’ve yet to completely overcome this sin in my life but this year I am determining an action plan for myself to help me fight.
- I will think about what I already have, how its use might be extended, and choose to be grateful.
- I will immediately delete e-mails from stores that I know I will not be making a purchase from. The same goes for catalogs in the mail. Those expensive clothing or decorating catalogs I like to swoon over–goodbye!
- Most importantly, I will spend time in God’s word and in prayer. This is a time where Satan really tries to attack and so I must tie myself tightly to the Lord and His word.
Do you find yourself consumed with “stuff” during the holidays? There is hope! Draw near to God and find joy in what He’s already done for you. Let’s vow to enjoy the people we love and put on hearts of gratitude this holiday season!
Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! – Psalm 34:8
Be encouraged by these posts as well!
- When God Calls Us to Do the Impossible Things - March 2, 2020
- Look to Him - February 17, 2020
- Thoughts From the Mom Who Needs Grace - December 16, 2019
It’s more important to be rich spiritually than it is to be rich in material things!
Know the old saying you can’t take it with you. Should be about the family experience and being together. Food, talking exchanging ideas and thoughts and just enjoying being with each other.
Kristin, great advice. I have always struggled with Christmas time. I love the season and everything about it, but I do tend to spend too much money buying gifts and what am I teaching my kids and grandson….materialism. This year we are taking a family trip together, so I need to be more careful how much I spend. Maybe this will be the start of a better pattern. Thanks for sharing this. I needed to read it. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
I’m so glad I’m not the only one! I hope you enjoy your family trip- that is a wonderful idea! So glad you were encouraged.
I agree that most people just want to acquire more objects. I learned years ago that if we are not already satisfied with what God has given us, we won’t ever be satisfied.
Our things can mean much to us and be useful and purposeful but at the end of the day it truly is just “stuff”. It’s hard to remember that! You are right on!
This post is perfectly timed as I wade through the endless stack of holiday catalogs on my kitchen table. I love your action plan, as it gives us easy, simple steps to help refocus our eyes back on our Savior.
Oh, those catalogs! Think of how wasteful they are! So glad you were encouraged.
You are right on! I think we can all relate to this post to some degree. I love each of the tips that you have given, especially number 1. We need to be grateful for what we already do have for sure.
So glad these words are relatable! Thank you for sharing!
That’s a good action plan! This time of year is a hard for my family. My husband’s birthday is in Aug., my son’s birthday is in Sept., my daughter’s birthday is in Oct., and then mine is in November. Then you add in Christmas! To try to teach our children how fortunate they are, as well as find space in their room, every August we do a ‘gratitude give’. Where we go through all of their clothing and toys and decide what to donate to others so someone else may benefit as well. I have started doing it with my… Read more »
I’m with you, we have several birthdays this time of year too in our family. I love your “gratitude give” idea. We recently took a big load to Goodwill and our daughter was fascinated by the idea. I’ll have to include her more next time!
Rich in God, Not in Possessions. I’m going to remember that. Love it!
That phrase was added in by our editor, but I love it too! Such a wonderful way to sum things up!
Having an action plan is the best way to go! I love your three steps, and plan on following them myself!
Wonderful! So glad you were encouraged.
Beautifully written … rich in God, not possession is a easily overlooked concept … how easily deceived we can get thinking that when people have more possession they are actually blessed.
Very true! We must think of our blessings in light of eternity!
Beautiful post and so on target with the ongoing materialism that tends to take over these joyous holidays coming upon us. Seems like it gets worse every year, and EARLIER every year, as I’ve already seen Christmas displays up in many stores! I think one of the saddest things is the emphasis on the day AFTER Thanksgiving, instead of the day of gratitude itself, aka “Black Friday” when people behave like animals in a stampede and rudeness prevails. I worked at a Joann Fabrics for a couple years — OH MY WORD!! I do not even venture out the door… Read more »
I must admit I’ve enjoyed Black Friday shopping in previous years, but it was a fun way to bond with my mom, especially in my teen years when we didn’t see eye to eye about very much. I am also a planner, and so I enjoy knowing what my holiday options are in advance, but I so understand what you are saying. You are right. When we put such a strong focus on gifts we are definitely missing the most precious part of the holiday season. Thank you for your reminder! The 4 gift strategy is great as well!
Ooooh! Thank you for this conviction.
I’m glad you were encouraged!