Serving One Master

The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10

We are very concerned about the impact of materialism on families today. During the hardships of the Great Depression, it was easy enough for parents to tell their kids that they couldn’t afford to buy everything they wanted. But in these more opulent times, children see that you can afford to purchase their hearts’ desires—if not with cash, then with your magic credit card. And then there are the advertisers that spend millions of dollars to stimulate your kids’ lust for their products—toy monsters; dolls that eat, walk, and talk; designer shoes and clothes; and more. Your children begin to develop an “I need more” mentality that can be terribly destructive in their adult years. It’s why so many people are hopelessly in debt today. It’s what spawned a popular bumper sticker a few years ago: “He who dies with the most toys wins.” The sticker should read, “He who dies with the most toys dies anyway.”

Jesus delivered a very different message when a rich man questioned Him about the path to eternal life. Jesus said to “sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21). The man walked away because he was unwilling to part with his wealth.

It simply isn’t possible to seek, worship, and serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Now is the time to choose for your family.

Before you say good night…

How much of your time is invested in that which is of no long-term significance?

What can you do to reduce the influence of materialism?

Father, we know that our children’s attitude toward money will be shaped to a large degree by our own. Please take us by the hand and lead us toward Your heart’s desire for this important area of our lives. Amen.

• From Night Light For Parents, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
  Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.