Why Christians should guard against materialism

Hey there, saints and snack lovers! Welcome back to another episode of Soul Food with a Side of Sass — the podcast where we stir faith, laughter, and a good helping of biblical truth into your daily walk with Christ.

Today’s topic might step on some toes… including mine. So go ahead and wiggle them shoes off, friend. We’re talking about something that’s sneaky, shiny, and sold in every mall, app, and late-night ad you can think of. That’s right.

Materialism.

Now before you clutch your handbag in fear, relax. I’m not here to say you can’t enjoy nice things. God isn’t allergic to blessings. But I am saying, if we’re not careful, those things start enjoying us a little too much — they start running our lives instead of just accessorizing them.

Materialism, in short, is when we put too much importance on stuff — money, comfort, cars, clothes, coffee makers with Bluetooth. And the problem isn’t the stuff… it’s the attachment to the stuff.

Jesus said it plain and clear in Matthew 6:19–21. He said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth where moths and rust destroy and thieves break in. Store your treasure in heaven… because where your treasure is, your heart is going to be right there too.”

Translation? If your heart is parked in your bank account, your closet, or your Amazon cart, it might be time to tow it back to heaven.

See, earthly stuff fades. Moths chew it, rust ruins it, and let’s be real — kids spill juice on it. But spiritual treasure? That’s eternal. And last I checked, heaven’s never had a theft report or a moth infestation.

But materialism doesn’t just clutter your closet. It creeps into your character.

You start believing you made yourself rich. Deuteronomy 8:17–18 warns us not to start flexing and saying, “My own power got me all this.” Instead, Moses says, remember the Lord your God — He’s the one who gave you the power to get wealth in the first place. So, no need to act like you’re the CEO of Heaven’s HR Department.

It’s God. All God. Every blessing, every open door, every job offer that didn’t ask for your GPA.

Now let’s not forget Paul, who knew a thing or two about temptation. In 1 Timothy 6:9–10, he said chasing after wealth can become a trap. You think you’re chasing the bag, but next thing you know, the bag is chasing you — and it brought stress, temptation, and a lovely set of regrets as a free bonus.

Paul didn’t mince words. He said people have wandered away from the faith because of their love for money. They pierced themselves with grief — and not the stylish kind that comes with retail therapy. I mean deep, spiritual sorrow.

Friend, God wants to bless you. But blessings are tools, not trophies. Use them to love others. Use them to build the Kingdom. Use them to give, not just to gather.

Let’s not live like the goal is a mansion on earth when Jesus has already gone ahead to prepare a place in heaven that puts every HGTV home to shame.

So, if materialism has been inching its way into your heart — and yes, that includes that extra scroll through designer sales when you told yourself you were just “window shopping” — it’s time to pause.

Matthew 6:33 gives us the antidote: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

In other words, put God first, and everything else will fall into place. You won’t have to beg for it, stress about it, or max out a credit card trying to catch it.

So today, ask yourself — are you storing treasure in heaven, or just in your trunk? Are you seeking God’s Kingdom, or just Amazon Prime?

And remember, God doesn’t mind if you have things — He just doesn’t want those things to have you.

Until next time, live light, give generously, and don’t let your blessings become your burdens.

This has been Soul Food with a Side of Sass. I’m your host, reminding you that the richest people aren’t those with the most stuff — but those with the most trust in God.

Stay blessed and uncluttered!