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 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give, in exchange for his soul?
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
9 But they that desire to be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and perdition.
7 For we brought nothing into the world: it is manifest that neither can we carry any thing out.8 Having then food and covering, with these let us be content.
7 For we brought nothing into the world: it is manifest that neither can we carry any thing out.8 Having then food and covering, 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 Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break thro' and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break thro' nor steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
21 Jesus saith to him, If thou desirest to be perfect, go, sell what thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.
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 content is great gain.
17 Charge the rich in this world not to be high-minded, neither to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy:
5 Let your disposition be without covetousness: be content with the things that are present; for he hath said , No, I will not leave thee: verily I will not forsake thee.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
15 And he said to them, Take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
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 aim not at the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen: for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal.
9 Likewise that women adorn themselves in decent apparel, with modesty and sobriety, not with curled hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly raiment,10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and of one soul: and not so much as one said that ought of the things which he had, was his own, but they had all things common.