For a Christian, it’s inappropriate to be preoccupied with anything that comes before God and spiritual principles.
Christians can undoubtedly own material belongings and enjoy them, but the excessive fixation with acquiring and maintaining the property is a precarious path.
I believe that our strong drive for materialism is one of the main issues we currently face. Do the Scriptures address this issue, though? Yes! This post is ideal for you if you want to understand more about this topic.
Bible Verses on Materialism
There are numerous verses in the Bible that discuss materialism and the love of money.
Many of these verses urge people to place more importance on spiritual and moral ideals rather than material possessions, warning against the risks of doing so.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”-
This verse makes the notion that whatever we require for a life of faith will be provided to us by the Lord.
The verse is encouraging readers to not be focused on accumulating wealth, but to trust in the promise that God will always be with them and provide for them.
Proverbs 11:28
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.-
The verse warns against putting all of one’s confidence in wealth because it is unreliable and might bring about ruin.
Instead, it implies that the upright shall prosper and flourish.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.-
The verse exhorts the reader to place a high value on their spiritual well-being, to pursue God’s kingdom and righteousness, and to have faith that their material wants would be met as a result.
Biblical Views on Materialism
The Bible has a complex view of materialism.
On one hand, it teaches that God created the material world and that it is good.
On the other hand, it also warns against placing too much value on material possessions, as they can distract people from their spiritual lives and relationships.
Jesus asserts in the New Testament that it is challenging for a wealthy person to join the kingdom of heaven and that it is simpler for a camel to squeeze through a needle than it is for a wealthy person to reach the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:23-24).
Jesus also emphasizes that a person’s existence does not consist in having an excess of riches (Luke 12:15) and that instead of storing up treasures on earth for themselves, people should store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).
In contrast, Proverbs and Wisdom literature frequently extols hard effort and the benefits of it, as in “A lazy hand creates poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4) and “The wise lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin nigh” (Proverbs 10:14).
Bible Verses About Worldly Possessions
The Bible warns against the dangers of materialism, which is an excessive attachment to worldly possessions.
The idea is that these things can distract an individual from their spiritual well-being and relationship with God.
1 Timothy 6:9
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.-
This verse is a warning against the danger of an excessive desire for wealth, as it can lead to temptation and ultimately ruin.
Matthew 16:26
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?-
This verse is emphasizing the importance of one’s eternal soul compared to temporal, worldly possessions.
It is a reminder that one’s spiritual well-being is more important than any material gain.
Luke 12:15
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.-
This is a reminder that true fulfillment and contentment in life cannot be found in the accumulation of wealth, but rather in other aspects of life such as relationships, purpose, and spiritual well-being.
Bible Verses on Materialistic Things
The Bible serves as a reminder that one’s life shouldn’t be focused solely on worldly things, and that one should not place an excessive amount of importance on material belongings.
Because they can cause people to become isolated from their spiritual lives and interpersonal interactions.
Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.-
This verse encourages the readers to focus their thoughts and attention on spiritual matters, rather than on worldly or material things.
It implies that Christians should focus on God’s things, which are “above” in the sense that they are greater, more significant, and more durable than earthly things.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.-
This verse serves as a reminder that true satisfaction and meaning in life are not found in material wealth, but rather in a relationship with God and in living a life of purpose and integrity.
Matthew 6:19-21
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.-
Jesus is advising people in this verse not to put their confidence in money and material belongings because they might be ephemeral and untrustworthy.
Instead, He is encouraging them to put their trust in God and to store up treasures in heaven.
Does God Want us to have Material Things?
The Bible teaches that God is the creator of the world and everything in it and that all things come from Him.
He can bless us with material possessions and it is not necessarily a sin to have them.
However, the Bible also teaches that we should not make material possessions our ultimate goal or idolize them, as this can lead to covetousness and other negative behaviors.
Instead, we should focus on using our resources to serve God and others, and be content with what we have.
In Matthew 6:33 Jesus says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse highlights that our primary focus should be on God’s kingdom and righteousness and that if we put Him first, He will take care of our material needs.
It is important to note that some people might have less than others, but they are not less blessed by God.
It’s also important to remember that blessings and riches are not only material but also spiritual, and God’s blessings are not always measured by material possessions.
Bible Verses That Talk About Materialism
Below are a few Bible verses that address the topic of materialism:
Colossians 3:1-2
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.-
These verses are urging believers to focus their attention on spiritual matters and things above, rather than on the temporary and fleeting things of this world.
Hebrews 13:5-6
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.-
This verse is encouraging the readers to trust in God and not be concerned with material wealth.
It also reminds us that God always is with us and that we don’t need to be afraid of other people.
Is Materialism a Sin?
In Christianity, materialism is not considered a specific “sin” in the traditional sense.
However, it is often viewed as an attitude or mindset that can lead to other sins.
For example, the love of money is considered to be the root of all kinds of evil, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:10, as it can lead to greed, covetousness, and a lack of concern for others.
Materialism can also lead to the sin of idolatry, which is the worship of something other than God.
It can also lead to neglecting spiritual pursuits, focusing more on material gain than on growing one’s faith and relationship with God.
In general, most religions teach that material possessions can be a necessary aspect of human life but they should not be the center of human purpose, they should be handled and sought in a balanced way, and they should not be used to harm or exploit others.
Examples of Materialism in the Bible
There are several passages in the Bible that express the idea that material wealth and possessions can be a hindrance to spiritual well-being.
For example, in Matthew 19:16-24, a young man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus tells him to sell all that he has and give the money to the poor. Jesus also says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Another example is found in Luke 12:13-21, in which Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, who amasses wealth but then dies and is unable to take it with him. Jesus says, “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
And in 1 Timothy 6:10 it is written “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
These verses and numerous others just like them show how Christianity teaches that having financial possessions is not necessary for spiritual fulfillment and may even be a hindrance to it.
Dangers of Materialism
While having a certain level of material possessions can provide for basic needs and bring some level of comfort, an excessive focus on material wealth can be harmful in several ways.
- It can lead to an unhealthy obsession with money and possessions, taking away from other important aspects of life such as relationships, personal growth, and community involvement.
- It can also create feelings of emptiness and unhappiness, as people may find that the pursuit of material wealth does not bring the fulfillment and satisfaction they were seeking.
- Also, it can create social and economic inequalities when some people have access to greater resources and opportunities than others, which can lead to a sense of injustice and mistrust among people.
- It can also foster a consumer culture that encourages overconsumption and can negatively impact the environment and global sustainability.
In general, materialism tends to place more emphasis on the exterior and the superficial than on the deeper parts of life, which can ultimately result in discontent and misery.
In summary, materialism is the excessive focus on material possessions and wealth, often at the expense of spiritual and social values.
The Bible teaches that true fulfillment and contentment can’t be found in material possessions and wealth, but rather in a relationship with God, and in serving Him and others.