1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; 16 for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever. 

Here is a note I wrote concerning this passage a few years ago. I’ve written about this topic a number of times in the space, but it’s still good to reflect upon – particularly ahead of the hyper-consumer-oriented holiday season before us:

I can tend to think that consumerism is a new problem, but this passage makes it clear – consumerism (or love of “stuff”) is nothing new. This passage, thousands of years old, clearly speaks to the condition. There are many times when pursuit of things of God will mean less “stuff” or material wealth or well-being right now. There are some in the modern church who want to communicate that loving the Lord leads to wealth, and perhaps it may in some cases, but many times not. This passage speaks in opposition to the idea of faith and wealth necessarily going together.

Heavenly Father, as children of your Kingdom and fellow heirs with your son Jesus, we are no longer children of this world. Give us hearts and minds that reflect this new identity. Give us grace to seek the things that you hold dear. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.