Wealth and Want

Want is on the rise.  UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute has been surveying incoming freshman about their basic out look on life for the past several decades.  For years, researchers asked college freshman about the importance of “being wealthy.”  It was very important to 45% of Baby Boomers (surveyed between 1966 and 1978), 70% of Gen X, and 75% of Millennials.  As the years go by, America’s young people are putting a greater emphasis the possession of wealth.

The interesting thing about that research is this: American wealth has increased over the same period of time.  The Gross Domestic Product per capita in the United States in 1966 was $3972.  As of 2010, that number is $47,153.  It seems that the wealthier we get, the more we want.

That is a common problem with materialism.  No matter how much stuff we acquire, we want more.  The things of this world never satisfy.  They only create more desire.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus says, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”  Jesus warns us that true life is not found in wealth.  True life is found elsewhere – in Christ.

As we continue our series of messages on the joy of the Lord, let me encourage you to be satisfied in Christ instead of the things of this world.  Statistics and the scripture show us that satisfaction cannot be found in money.  It only creates more want and greed.  Real satisfaction is found in Christ alone.  Let that satisfaction, the joy of the Lord, sustain you regardless of how much or little this world has to offer.