50 Days of Wisdom

Scripture tells us that we either serve God and His glory with our money or we serve material things. Therefore, the first thing we need to do is to diagnose where we are, right? So what are the sinful signs of materialism? Here are some things to think about. First of all, you know there are some elements of materialism in your life when you are characterized by anxiety over money. Being anxious about money means one thing: you're spending more than you have. Therefore, if you find yourself being anxious over money, you are beginning to experience, to one degree or another, maybe mildly or severely, the reality of materialism. Secondly, covetousness. Covetousness is simply this: you want what somebody else has. You want what is new, novel, and different. It's a desire for more, and it's a very strong compulsion in our unredeemed flesh. Another element of a materialistic attitude, another symptom in the diagnosis, is selfishness. Selfishness is simply this: you don't have any joy in giving. You get much more satisfaction in holding on than in letting go. You would rather keep it than give it. This is being selfish, and it means that you somehow have your heart attached to money, either for your own indulgence or for your own security. You're not willing to give because it's not in your heart to give, or you're not willing to give because you fear the future, which means you're not trusting God to care for the future. If you are hoarding it, and guarding it, that's an indicator of materialism because you are, to one degree or another, putting your trust in what you possess. Another thing is preoccupation. A preoccupation with money means you're always worried about your investments, the rate of return, and whether there's a better, faster, or more lucrative place to put your money. Even gambling falls into this category. It's being preoccupied with getting money as quickly as you can. And that leads to greediness. Greediness is wanting more fast, not in the normal way of gaining and growing your money and increasing your money, but looking for some way to get it fast. It turns so easily into greed, and then no matter how fast it happens to work, you think about how it could be even faster, or how you could find another fast track, and it manifests in impatience. That indicates greed. Another symptom of this diagnosis of materialism is discontentment. You begin to lose appreciation for what you have. Nothing you have is enough. Whether it's a commodity, an account, an interest rate, a house, a car, or any other thing you have, it's never enough. You are seduced by what you do not have rather than content with what you do have. Idolatry needs to be thrown in here too, sacrificing relationships with people for stuff. It's this desire to be better than the people around you. If you have more than others, you have to show them up and let them know you are better than them. That's so challenging when you're rich, because you tend to be proud. That's another symptom, pride. You flaunt what you possess. Individuals often showcase their possessions, whether it be clothing, jewelry, or other items, to project an image of superiority over others. That's not a great way to establish relationships. If you make people feel like they're beneath you, that you're better than they are, you will surely alienate them. So, examine your own life. Do you have anxiety, covetousness, selfishness, preoccupation, greediness, discontent, idolatry, pride, and trust in your money? If you do, you have the symptoms of materialism. Repent and believe! GTY.org (42-207) – Escaping Materialism

Today's Wisdom

Day: 1030

September 15, 2026

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Grace and peace,

My name is Mark Paul from Wauchula, Florida, and like the Apostle Peter said in 2 Peter 1:14, "I know that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent." Consequently, my goal is to leave a legacy that will continue to advance the kingdom of God long after I have departed. In other words, bear fruit for eternity. And by simply reading and sharing my free eBooks, you too become contributors to the advancement of His kingdom. Thank you for partaking in this endeavor, and I look forward to greeting you on heaven's shore.

The Truth in Love,

Mark Paul - Servant of God

Now grant, O Lord, that when the souls who read these books cast their eyes upon these lines, their minds may be illuminated and their consciences convinced and awakened, that they may see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and be converted so that You may heal them. Amen!