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.
But He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions."(Luke 12:15)
Therefore, treat the parts of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.(Colossians 3:5)
For what good will it do a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what will a person give in exchange for his soul?(Matthew 16:26)
For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit 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.
One who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor one who loves abundance with its income. This too is futility.(Ecclesiastes 5:10)
As he came naked from his mother’s womb, so he will return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand.(Ecclesiastes 5:15)
For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.(1 Timothy 6:7,8)
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction.(1 Timothy 6:9)
Riches do not benefit on the day of wrath,
But righteousness rescues from death.(Proverbs 11:4)
A rich person’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own imagination.(Proverbs 18:11)
When you set your eyes on it, it is gone.
For wealth certainly makes itself wings
Like an eagle that flies toward 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 godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.(1 Timothy 6:6)
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,"(Hebrews 13:5)
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
Than great treasure, and turmoil with the treasure.(Proverbs 15:16)
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.(Proverbs 16:16)
A good name is to be more desired than great wealth;
Favor is better than silver and gold.(Proverbs 22:1)
Keep deception and lies far from me,
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with the food that is my portion,(Proverbs 30:8)
Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive apparel, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.(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.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;(Matthew 6:19,20)
for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.(Matthew 6:21)
Jesus said to him, "If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."(Matthew 19:21)
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.(1 Timothy 6:17)
All day long he is craving,
While the righteous gives and does not hold back.(Proverbs 21:26)
And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of themclaimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.(Acts 4:32)
while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.(2 Corinthians 4:18)
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