I’ve been thinking about greed.

 
Actually, I’ve been thinking about shopping…sort of. No, I am not a shopaholic. I’m one of those people who likes to go in, get whatever I need, and leave. No walking around the store fifteen times, shaking hands with everything on the racks, for me. Short and simple. In and out.

 
But still, it relates to greed. Have you noticed how every generation needs things better and better? Things that were good enough for my parents’ generation are no longer good enough for mine. We need better brands, more supped up “stuff”—and more of it. But is it really a need?

 
Example 1: clothes. Guys, I know you usually don’t have much of a problem with this. But it is a problem. We can’t be content with the clothes we have. We have to borrow from others or go out and buy more—when the things we have would suffice. Sure, we might not like what we have as much as what someone else has, but it still works for what we need it for.

 
Example 2: electronics (computers, stereos, cameras, etc.). This is a huge temptation today. Stores are filled with newer and better products, all screaming for your attention. If they can get you to want it, they can get you to buy it. But do you really need the best computer on the market? Does it matter if someone else has a better sound system? Think about eternity. Will things make that much of a difference later on?

 
Does having the best of everything glorify God? We need to strive for excellence—but that’s in our actions, not in our possessions. Hebrews tells us to let our lives be without covetousness. In fact, covetousness is listed many times in Scripture as something to put off. It is likened to idolatry. And isn’t that, in fact, what we are doing when we have to always have something better? We worship possessions. America has become a very materialistic society. What about you?