Heb 10:34

Dave's been doing a few posts on money, tithing and giving (here, here and here) probably cos he's writing a book about it all (see here). So, it got me thinking a bit about tithing and possessions and such.

But sadly I hadn't applied my thoughts about contentment to myself. A few days later, I realised that I've been being all materialistic again. (Yes, I know, I doubt that'll make the headlines.)

Presenting symptoms:
- hankering after Nice Things
- imagining just what Nice Things I can get if/when I've more money (ie expectations rising with income demonstrating lack of contentment)
- worrying that I won't have enough money (when I remember things like car insurance)
Diagnosis:
An evil and unbelieving heart
Prognosis:
Unless taken care of, falling away from the living God.
Treatment:
To be exhorted every day, as long as it is called "today," that I'm not hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

I wonder, is it easy to imagine you're not materialistic when you have money to have all you think/feel you need? Does it numb you?

I too easily lose sight of Christ and, forgetting his worth and glory, grow tired of not having Nice Things I see around. I find myself hankering after Nice Things instead of pursuing the more splendidly satisfying beauty of Christ. It's so dangerous - a desire for lesser things which is allowed to grow (or even cultivated!), chokes the desire for the best. When will I learn the reality of Proverbs 10.22 and Matt 13.44?

Lord, save me from nice, middleclass, homely aspirations!

But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For,
"Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him."
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. - Heb 10.32-39