Living In The Material World

If it weren't for his faith, Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan said he'd be like Hugh Hefner right now, bathing in luxury after luxury.

His message is simple: God had grounded him and made him realize there were far more important things in life than million-dollar cars, yachts, and sports teams, all of which he once owned and took pride in.

"The most important thing I [can] do is help people get to heaven," the pizza mogul said.

His priorities were not always aligned, however, as they are now, especially when he began coming into large amounts of money with the success of his business – once a small, single pizza place in Ypsilanti, Mich., called DomiNick's Pizza.

But he woke up to his superficial lifestyle and stopped his splurges.

Selling most of his big possessions, including his beloved Detroit Tigers, Monaghan – who grew up in the Catholic orphanage – pledged to give away at least half of his possessions, signing Bill Gates' "Giving Pledge," and turned his focus to religious education and charity. He also sold 93 percent of his share in Domino's to Bain Capital, Inc. in 1998 and dedicated his time to the church and pro-life causes.

"I came into the world penniless and as a Catholic Christian, I know that I cannot take any of it with me, so it has long been my desire to use the material resources that I have been blessed with to help others in the most meaningful ways possible," he wrote in his pledge. "I would not be living out my faith if I did not use the abundant resources God has given me to help others." -Christian Post, March 9, 2012, Eryn Sun

We live in a very materialistic society, as evidenced in our popular culture (music, TV, etc.), and expressed in the desire for an affluent lifestyle. Materialism is dangerous foe to the Christian. The deceitfulness of riches can render the Christian fruitless (Matthew 13:22). The desire for riches can ensnare the Christian, leading him astray (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

So, what can we do as Christians and as the Church? As an example, let's consider God's use of Isaiah. He was sent to a corrupt and materialistic society (Isaiah 1:21-23) to offering that which truly satisfies (Isaiah 55:1-3).

Today, Jesus has a similar response, which we can offer to a world that is starving for what truly satisfies. We shall call this Jesus' response to materialism. First of all, it exposes the deficiency of riches.

Many think of "the good life" in terms of material prosperity. Jesus taught there is more to life than material possessions. Man's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15); as illustrated in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21).

Jesus taught the insecurity of riches (Matthew 6:19-20). He taught that:

a. They are susceptible to corruption.
b. They are open to theft.

Jesus taught the danger of riches (Matthew 6:21-24). He taught that:

a. They can dominate our affections;
b. They can blind us to the true light;
c. They can prevent us from being able to serve God.

Therefore, the message of Jesus is one of correcting our misconceptions; riches do not make one happy!

Another aspect of Jesus' response to materialism is that it extends the truly abundant life. Jesus offers a life filled with peace (cf. John 14:27). This is demonstrated by:

a. Peace with God through justification (Romans 5:1-2);
b. Peace with man through reconciliation (Ephesians 2:14-16);
c. Peace with self through supplication (Philippians 4:6-7).

It's pretty clear that the peace Jesus offers "surpasses all understanding" (Philemon 4:7)

Jesus offers us a life filled with love cf. John 15:9). It is:

a. Love patterned after the Father's love for the Son (John 15:9);
b. Love that can be fervent, yet pure between brethren (1 Peter 1:22);
c. Love that can be extended even toward enemies (Matthew 5:43-45).

As you can see, the love Jesus offers "passes knowledge" (Ephesians 3:9).

Jesus also offers a life filled with joy (cf. John 15:11). His commandments, His promises, all are designed to impart joy (John 15:11). It is a joy that can abound in any circumstance (e.g., Philippians 2:17-18; 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6). The joy Jesus offers is "inexpressible" (1 Peter 1:8). By offering such peace, love, and joy, perhaps we can appreciate why Jesus said He offers an "abundant" life - cf. Jn 10:10

To communicate this response to a materialistic society, Jesus calls upon His church. While it certainly involves proclaiming the gospel, let me suggest some additional thoughts about OUR response to materialism.

First, we should exemplify Jesus' response as individuals. This means that as individuals we must possess the peace, love, and joy Jesus offers. This refers to the peace, love, and joy which comes through heeding His words (John 15:10-11), and through spending time in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).

If we fail to spend the time necessary in such activities, how convincing can we be that we have a more "abundant" life to offer?

Secondly, as individuals we must not depend on material things for true happiness. If poor, learn the secret of contentment (cf. 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Philippians 4:11-13). If rich, trust not in riches but be quick to help those in need (cf. 1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Being content and willing to share goes a long way toward demonstrating that Jesus' response to materialism really means something!

In conclusion, the rampant materialism in our society provides us with a great opportunity to offer help and hope, through Jesus Christ. As a point of reference, I ask you only to watch the news, read the newspapers, look online, etc., to find glaring examples of what I am talking about. It's not difficult to see that materialism leaves one in a state of spiritual malnutrition; thus, often ripe for the true feast Jesus has to offer!

Even after all of this, some might still ask, "What does Jesus offer...?" How about:

a. Rest for a weary soul (Matthew 11:28-30);
b. Rivers of living water for a thirsty soul (John 7:37-39).

These are things which only He provides through His cleansing blood and life-quickening Spirit (Acts 2:38-39). But if those trapped in materialism are going to believe such is possible, we need to make sure that we are offering the "abundant life" as a viable alternative. This needs to be offered both individually, and together as God's people!

Why don't we pause here for a moment and ask OURSELVES this question, "Are we experiencing the peace that "surpasses all understanding," the love which 'passes knowledge,' and the joy that is 'inexpressible'?"

Prayer:

Show me Your ways, O Lord. Teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me. For You are God, my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

May God bless you always,

Brandi