Looking At An "Affluence" Epidemic In Today's Society

As more people in today's affluent society stock up on cell phones, iPods, iPads, and flat-panel televisions, we might call it an "affluence" epidemic. Folks are attempting to find security in acquiring "more stuff"; that "stuff" that is temporary and fleeting (cf. Proverbs 23:5; Matthew 6:19-21).

The Bible calls the pursuit of more "stuff" as simple "greed" (Ephesians 5:3,5; Colossians 3:5 NIV). Jesus warned His followers about greed by telling a story of a rich man. His primary fault was not that he had an abundance of crops or that he decided to build more storage space (Luke 12:16-18).

His fault was that he put his trust in his possessions (Luke 12:15) rather than in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). He drew his security from his material goods, failing to be "rich toward God" (Luke 12:21; cf. 1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Rejecting the knowledge and precepts of God as the basis for his life, made him a "fool." He was living only for the moment while being presumptuous regarding his future (Luke 12:19-20).

Dear reader, the "good life" cannot be found in acquiring "more stuff." Rather, we'll find true satisfaction only when we invest our resources and lives in and for God's kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

As one poet so fittingly wrote:

        He possessed all the world had to give him,

He had reached every coveted goal;

But, alas, his life was a failure,

For he had forgotten his soul. —Denison

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets