Materialism is one of the most devasting dilemmas we face today. We have more stuff than we’ve ever had before and yet find ourselves dissatisfied, obsessed with an insatiable appetite for more, more, more. Credit card debt is through the roof, many live from paycheck to paycheck, money and materialism is a major source for marital problems, mental stress and anxiety.

Are you possessed and obsessed by your possessions? Do they own you or do you own them? King Solomon the richest man ever, who had it all, concluded that possessions would never bring happiness or satisfaction. Actually, if you correctly understand the concept and teaching of biblical stewardship, you will come to recognize that you aren’t an owner. You are called to be a steward; a manager of what God has entrusted into your care. Accepting the role of steward rather than owner is one of the most liberating things you can experience.

Start teaching about money, possessions, and stewardship and people will get edgy, and give you the side eye. There you go again always talking about money. Here it comes he’s going to talk about tithing. Nope! Here are some basic principles about stewardship. 1)God owns it all. Everything! 2) Your role and responsibility are to be a manager, a steward of all He has entrusted to you. It’s a great way to live, so freeing. 3)Don’t be a miser or a hoarder, cultivate a heart of generosity. 4) When you give. it should never be by coercion or compulsion, but rather give willingly and with a joyful and grateful heart. 5) Contentment is your desired outcome, not accumulating content. Living simply is extremely rewarding.

For me personally, minimalism and moving toward a minimalist lifestyle has become one of the keys to overcoming the root cause of materialism in my life. Minimalism does not mean living in such austere conditions that you only have one fork, plate, towel, shirt, pair of pants or shoes. It also doesn’t mean you never spend money on quality things or that your home is so sparsely furnished that you couldn’t have company over for dinner.

Minimalism does encompass owning a whole lot less than what most of us have or think we need, getting rid of much of the clutter, and embracing a lifestyle that chooses simplicity. Minimalism is also not just about possessions and things; it is a mindset. The core definition of minimalism that I’ve heard that resonates the most with me is Minimalism – The intentional promotion of the things we value most by removing anything that distracts us from them. It’s living by design not default. It’s identifying the essential and letting go of the rest.

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