Word for the day "What is the profit"

^{Luke 9:25 (NKJV)} For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?

The dangers of materialism can be destructive to our lives. 

Materialism is one of the deadliest diseases I know. It can eat you alive at the very moment you think things are going along wonderfully.

When we acquire outward trappings and the ideal image, we often neglect the deeper issues of life, faith, character, integrity, and a desire to love God and others.

Materialism is dangerous because it consumes a person. Jesus said, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and is himself destroyed or lost”.

Earthly wealth does not provide ultimate satisfaction. It is undependable. It is not wrong to be wealthy.

Working hard, providing for our families and saving for the future are godly virtues. Jesus is not teaching asceticism.

Jesus is making it known then and now the significance of our spiritual lives with Him and that being the ultimate end game for our lives.

There is more to your life then acquisitional consumerism.

We live in a time where we would rather look good than be good. In the end, the things that we acquire can turn on us and threaten our souls.

In Luke (9:25) Jesus asked His disciples, what good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? I like to put my insight to that verse as " It would be foolish if you were to live your life gaining all the things the world has to offer and then lose your life forever.

If the temporary things of this world begin to come between you and the eternal God of heaven, you’d probably want to reevaluate your priorities. It’s nice to have things and nice things for the record but be sure not to lose who you are in God as a result.

Consumerism is Defined as the magnitude attributed to attaining and owning material products in order to reach important life goals and desired states, materialism leads to consumerism, the pursuit of happiness by primarily buying and consuming tradable goods and services.

Since there is more than one type of materialism, there is more than one answer to the consequences of materialism.

A more subtle form of materialism is of danger to Christians. This is the view that values life by amassing, clinging to and utilizing goods.

It sets us up to measure one another by the quantity and wealth of possessions. Today’s passage was powerful when shared by Jesus over two thousand years ago and is still amazingly relevant today.

There are several dangers that can be associated with this type of materialism. When our pursuit is on making a profit, pursuing pleasure, and obtaining a position, it leaves little time, energy, and ability to focus on the goals that are offered to us by our Lord.

 Point to ponder

The practice and pursuit of things is a deadly battleground of the heart. Painfully and slowly I’ve had to learn that I need to hold very loosely to that of which I own. In this season of Lent, let’s evaluate how we are doing things!

• There are spiritual dangers connected with materialism.
• Did you learn something from today’s message?
• What are your views on materialism and consumerism?
• Do you see what Jesus is sharing in today’s passage?
• What are the consequences of unguarded materialism?
• What value do you place on your soul?
• Do you pursue your spiritual lifestyle? like your material lifestyle?

Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of February 2019 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Mrs. Lola Moore, Ms. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Mother Betty Denson, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Mrs. Denise Johnson, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.

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