Materialismo
O materialismo é uma armadilha espiritual. A Bíblia alerta que o amor ao dinheiro é raiz de todos os males e nos chama a buscar tesouros no céu, não na terra.
O perigo das riquezas
Que aproveita ao homem ganhar o mundo inteiro e perder a sua alma? O materialismo engana e afasta do que realmente importa.
26 What is a man profited, if he should gain the whole world, with the forfeit of his life? or what will a man not give in ransom for his life?
36 What would it profit a man, if he should gain the whole world, with the forfeit of his life?
9 But they who will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which plunge men into destruction and perdition.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and it is evident that we can carry out nothing.8 Wherefore, having food and raiment, with these let us be content.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and it is evident that we can carry out nothing.8 Wherefore, having food and raiment, with these let us be content.
Tesouros no céu
Ajuntai tesouros no céu, onde traça e ferrugem não consomem. O bom nome vale mais que muitas riquezas, e a sabedoria supera o ouro.
19 Amass not for yourselves treasure upon the earth, where moths and rust may consume it, or thieves breaking in may steal it.20 But provide for yourselves treasure in heaven, where are neither moths nor rust to consume it, nor thieves to break in and steal it.
21 For where your treasure is, your heart will also be.
21 Jesus answered, If you would be perfect, go sell your estate, and give the price to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven.
Contentamento e generosidade
Grande ganho é a piedade com contentamento. A cobiça é idolatria, mas a generosidade traz alegria e bênção.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
17 Charge the rich in the present world not to be elated in mind, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who confers on us richly all things for enjoyment-
5 «Let your behavior be without the love of money, being contented with the things you have; for himself has said,» 'I will never leave you, not will I at all utterly forsake you.'
5 Mortify, therefore, your members which are on the earth; fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and licentiousness, which is idolatry;
15 And he said to them, Be upon your guard against covetousness; for in whatever affluence a man be, his life depends not on his possessions.
O invisível acima do visível
As coisas que se veem são temporais; as que não se veem são eternas. Devemos fixar os olhos no que é permanente e verdadeiro.
18 while we are aiming, not at things seen, but at things unseen: for the things seen are temporal, but the things unseen are eternal.
9 I like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in decent apparel, with modesty and sobriety, not with plaited hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly raiment:10 but (which becomes women professing godliness,) with good works.
32 Now the heart and soul of the multitude of believers was one: nor did any one call any of his possessions his own; but all things were common among them.