Westside church of Christ - Irving, Texas

Why I Can't Believe In Materialism

by Brent Moody

Materialism Fails To Deliver

One approach for addressing Materialism is to dive deeply into a philosophical discussion—throw- ing out definitions and using words like reductionism, physicalism, monist ontology and so on. But how many of us can really converse on that level without loading up our smartphone dictionary? Allow me to provide one simple description of materialism, and we will go from there. Materialism is based on the belief that matter is all that exists. If that be true, it is hard to imagine anything more miserable than humanity. We will never have what we want, and when life ends there is nothing better waiting for us. What a terrible existence!

The only video game system we ever owned was an original Nintendo that my brother bought when I was seven years old. We never had cable TV, or brand new cars. We were happy without all those things—many times happier than those who had them. It is glaringly obvious, especially being a parent myself now, that possessions do not make people happy. Children are either too obsessed with their toys or do not value what they have—of course, adults never act this way, right?

Ironically, possessions often end up being the source of frustration rather than joy. “Teddy” does not really make baby happy if he screams for an hour every time you try to pry it from his little fingers. Parents are disappointed when junior would rather play in the dirt than with his expensive new toy. Possessions sometimes bring pain rather than pleasure. Jesus knew that. He said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12.15). What was the context of this statement? Jesus responding to a man who was angry with his brother about their inheritance.

It is easy to think we would be happy if we were rich and powerful, but even scientists are discovering this to be false. Wealth is number three on the list of “Five things you think will make you happy (but won’t).” A similar article, “10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy,” says Avoiding Comparisons—not trying to keep up with the Jones’ (#2), Putting Money Low On The List (#3), and Generosity (#10) are three ways to greater happiness. According to these studies, the only thing material posses- sions have to do with happiness is stripping it away. Consider the following conclusions:

People who put money high on their priority list are more at risk for depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, according to researchers Tim Kasser and Richard Ryan. Their findings hold true across nations and cultures. “The more we seek satisfaction in material goods, the less we find them there,” Ryan says. “The satisfaction has a short half-life—it’s very fleeting” (Yes! Magazine Oct 31, 2008)1. As we acquire more and more goods we begin to think the next big purchase, or the next big pay check, will finally make us happy. But true satisfaction is only found in obedience to God’s will. When our focus is material, joy will always be just beyond our reach, while depression and worry will linger near.

In Luke 12, Jesus went on to tell his disciples not to worry about earthly things as the Gentiles do, but instead to “seek his kingdom.” Jesus wants us to have “treasure in the heavens that does not fail...” (Luke 12.31-34). When we seek God and his kingdom, our earthly, material possessions satisfy (1Tim 6.6). God becomes magnified in our lives—even through our earthly possessions— because of our rich appreciation for the blessings he showers upon us. Ironically, discontentment emerges when we allow materialism to be our god. God gave us the material world for our enjoyment. It is not that we can never have a new car, cable TV, an expensive computer, and so on. These things are fine as long as we avoid the temptation to seek satisfaction in possessions rather than in God. “You cannot serve God and money (or possessions),” Jesus said during the mountain message (Matt 6.24).

Materialistically-driven-individuals develop a warped view of themselves. The scientific community talks about this in terms of “self-actualization.” Focus on outside forces (i.e., money, possessions, etc) causes one to ignore his own potential or abilities. This often leads to, or may be the source of, low self-esteem. Materialism gives us the false impression that we can improve ourselves by improving our stuff! Instead of improving poor social skills just go buy a new game system, or 72 inch TV, so all the guys will want to be at your house. Don’t spend time honing your golf swing, go buy the next $400-600 driver. It will fix all of your problems. Instead of taking time to develop meaningful relationships with other women, buy their friendship with spa treatments, and other expensive gifts. Many of us really do think money can buy happiness and self-improvement, and corporate America knows it. Advertisers tell us their products will make us smarter, more popular, prettier, thinner, or more muscular. Real fulfillment will always elude those who buy into these lines, and they will never figure out why life is such a struggle. Self-improvement requires hard work and spiritual focus. It has nothing to do with money or possessions. Those who walk the narrow road will struggle at times too, but they know who they are, they know the Lord is their shepherd, and they are fulfilled in their relationship with him (Ps 23). Un- like our possessions, God delivers on his promise to fulfill us.

Materialism Is An Empty Philosophy

Although there are plenty more, here are four simple reasons why I can’t believe materialism leads to ultimate joy:

Things get old and break. Children illustrate this point perfectly. They play for a day or two with a new toy, and then discard it for something else. How long can a material possession really make us happy? If we are wrapped up in materialism—not long! Children also have an amazing talent for destruction. The new couch gets stained. That brand new car becomes the old clunker. The new house becomes outdated. If we put our trust in uncertain riches, we will always be left wanting (1 Tim 6.17-19).

Materialism always demands newer, better, and more exciting. Irrational discontentment is what differentiates this from the first two points. Although the materialistically minded man possesses a perfectly functional item — not old or broken — his desire for something better leaves him dis-gruntled. Jealousy and envy are an undeniable part of materialism. People who think life is about possessions try, to no avail, to find contentment in Stuff their insatiable god.

Things do not assuage the guilt of sin. Not everyone who gets caught up in materialism actually believes there is no God, or that matter is all that exists. Yet materialism is like a drug for some. It pulls them away from reality. Buying new clothes or fancy electronics and momentary happiness seems to arrive, masking other problems, such as sin. Then buyers remorse sets in and everything comes crashing down, especially if you are loaded with debt. As with drugs, the problems remain and typically get worse.

Materialism offers no purpose for life. If matter is all that exists, why not commit suicide if your life is terrible? Suicide, or homicide, or stealing are logical ideas based on materialism. If life is all about money, possessions, and power why not do these things? Materialism answers no important questions about life, it simply denies others answers, and acts as if nothing but possessions matter.

Christ Is The Answer To Man’s Needs

The interesting thing about Christ is that He “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb 13.8). The Hebrew writer tells us stuff “will all wear out like a garment...but you are the same, and your years will have no end” (Heb 1:11-12). Jesus does offer relief from the guilt of sin, and gives us peace of mind even during suffering (Romans 5:1-5). He tells us our ultimate purpose is to live in eternity with him (John 14:1-6; 1Pet 1:3-12). Following Christ is infinitely more fulfilling than following after possessions. In fact, it is the only path to real joy. While it is not true to say matter is all that exists, it is certainly true to say godliness is all that really matters.

Endnotes:

  1. The Yes! article provides links to its sources: http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/sustainable-happiness/10-things-science-says-will-make-you.

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Abundant Life: August/September 2010