Materialismo: o perigo da riqueza e o contentamento
O que a Bíblia diz sobre o materialismo
Na Bíblia, o materialismo não se define pela posse de bens em si, mas pela ilusão de que o valor, a segurança e a identidade de uma pessoa dependem do que ela acumula. Jesus resumiu esse engano em Lucas 12:15 ao afirmar que a vida humana não consiste na abundância dos bens que possui, tratando a cobiça desenfreada como uma forma direta de idolatria.
And he said to them, Take heed and keep yourselves from all covetousness, for it is not because a man is in abundance that his life is in his possessions.(Luke 12:15)
Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, vile passions, evil lust, and unbridled desire, which is idolatry.(Colossians 3:5)
For what does a man profit, if he should gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?(Matthew 16:26)
For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?(Mark 8:36)
Por que a confiança na riqueza falha
A Escritura expõe repetidamente a fragilidade dos bens terrenos. A riqueza não é eterna, não acompanha o indivíduo após a morte e é incapaz de comprar livramento espiritual. Além disso, a busca compulsiva por acumulação produz insatisfação crônica: quem faz do dinheiro sua fonte de esperança descobre que ele nunca é suficiente para preencher o coração.
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loveth abundance with increase. This also is vanity.(Ecclesiastes 5:10)
As he came forth from his mother’s womb, naked shall he go away again as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.(Ecclesiastes 5:15)
For we have brought nothing into the world: it is manifest that neither can we carry anything out. But having sustenance and covering, we will be content with these.(1 Timothy 6:7,8)
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many unwise and hurtful lusts, which plunge men into destruction and ruin.(1 Timothy 6:9)
Wealth profiteth not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death.(Proverbs 11:4)
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own imagination.(Proverbs 18:11)
wilt thou set thine eyes upon it, it is gone; for indeed it maketh itself wings and it flieth away as an eagle towards the heavens.(Proverbs 23:5)
O contentamento como alternativa
Em oposição ao materialismo, o ensino bíblico propõe o contentamento: a capacidade de viver em paz com o que se tem, confiando na providência diária de Deus. Ter recursos materiais não é pecado, mas a sabedoria bíblica prioriza a integridade, o temor a Deus e a paz interior acima do ouro e da prata.
But piety with contentment is great gain.(1 Timothy 6:6)
Let your conversation be without love of money, satisfied with your present circumstances; for he has said, I will not leave thee, neither will I forsake thee.(Hebrews 13:5)
Better is little with the fear of Jehovah than great store and disquietude therewith.(Proverbs 15:16)
How much better is it to get wisdom than fine gold, and the getting of intelligence to be preferred to silver!(Proverbs 16:16)
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches; loving favour rather than silver and gold.(Proverbs 22:1)
Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread of my daily need:(Proverbs 30:8)
In like manner also that the women in decent deportment and dress adorn themselves with modesty and discretion, not with plaited hair and gold, or pearls, or costly clothing, but, what becomes women making profession of the fear of God, by good works.(1 Timothy 2:9,10)
Generosidade e tesouros duradouros
O remédio mais prático contra o apego aos bens é a generosidade. Ao ordenar que seus seguidores ajuntem tesouros no céu em vez da terra, Jesus ensina a redirecionar o coração: onde estão os recursos, ali se fixa a devoção. Quando bens materiais são compartilhados para suprir o próximo e servir a Deus, eles deixam de ser ídolos e se tornam instrumentos de serviço.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust spoils, and where thieves dig through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust spoils, and where thieves do not dig through nor steal;(Matthew 6:19,20)
for where thy treasure is, there will be also thy heart.(Matthew 6:21)
Jesus said to him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell what thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.(Matthew 19:21)
Enjoin on those rich in the present age not to be high-minded, nor to trust on the uncertainty of riches; but in the God who affords us all things richly for our enjoyment;(1 Timothy 6:17)
He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.(Proverbs 21:26)
And the heart and soul of the multitude of those that had believed were one, and not one said that anything of what he possessed was his own, but all things were common to them;(The Acts 4:32)
while we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen; for the things that are seen are for a time, but those that are not seen eternal.(2 Corinthians 4:18)
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