How Should Christians Consume in a Materialistic World?
Let’s be honest—most of us are drowning in stuff. Clothes we don’t wear, gadgets we don’t use, food we waste, and endless shopping carts filled with things we think will make us happy.
But is this how God wants us to live?
The Bible calls us stewards, not consumers. That means we don’t just take, waste, and repeat—we manage, care for, and use wisely what God has given us.
The Problem: Christianity in a Consumer-Driven World
Modern society tells us that more is better. More clothes. More gadgets. More upgrades. More success. More everything.
But have you noticed? The more we have, the less satisfied we feel.
We chase trends, but contentment is always one purchase away.
We accumulate things, but our hearts still feel empty.
We buy more food, but we waste more than we eat.
Yet, Jesus lived simply. He didn’t own much, but He lacked nothing. He traveled light, but His impact was heavy. He taught us that “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
So, why are we acting like it does?
Stewardship vs. Consumerism: What’s the Difference?
A consumer asks, “What can I get?” A steward asks, “How can I use what I have for God’s glory?”
A consumer thinks, “It’s mine.” A steward knows, “It’s God’s, and I’m managing it.”
A consumer wastes. A steward values.
How to Live as a Christian Steward in a Materialistic World
1. Rethink Your Wants vs. Needs
Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Before buying something, ask:
Do I need this, or is this just another want?
Will this bring me closer to God, or just deeper into debt?
Can this be used to serve others, or is it just for self-indulgence?
If we learned to separate wants from needs, we’d save money, avoid waste, and live freer lives.
2. Stop Worshiping Trends
The world thrives on planned obsolescence—meaning things are designed to break so you have to buy again.
Your phone is outdated within months.
Your fashion is irrelevant after one season.
Your car? Time for the next model.
But contentment is never in the next purchase. It’s in Christ. (Philippians 4:11-13)
3. Give More, Hoard Less
Instead of collecting 10 pairs of shoes, why not give a few away?
Instead of buying luxury items you barely use, why not invest in something that helps others?
Instead of stockpiling things that gather dust, why not share with those in need?
Giving breaks the power of greed.(Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”)
4. Care for the Earth as God’s Creation
Stewardship isn’t just about money and possessions—it’s also about the planet.
Reduce waste. Reuse what you can. Recycle responsibly.
Consume less plastic and support sustainable practices.
Be mindful of how your lifestyle impacts the environment.
Genesis 2:15 says God put man in the garden to work it and take care of it. Our job hasn’t changed.
Final Thought: Are You a Consumer or a Steward?
At the end of our lives, God won’t ask how much we owned, but how well we managed what He gave us.
So, are we spending mindlessly or stewarding wisely? Are we hoarding selfishly or giving generously? Are we wasting what we have or using it for His glory?
Because from creation to eternity, stewardship has always been the plan.
Let’s be honest—if time were money, many of us would be in serious debt.
We scroll endlessly on our phones, binge-watch series like it’s a divine assignment, and engage in arguments that add no value to our lives. Yet, when it’s time to pray, read the Bible, or actually do something meaningful, we suddenly have “no time.”
But here’s the reality: Time is a gift from God, and how we use it is a reflection of our priorities.
The Reality Check We Avoid
Imagine standing before God one day, and He asks, “What did you do with the time I gave you?”
What’s your answer?
“I watched 4,562 TikTok videos.”
“I mastered all the football transfer gossip.”
“I had long debates on Twitter about who is the GOAT—Messi or Ronaldo.”
But did we invest in things that matter? Did we build character, serve others, love people better, or deepen our relationship with God?
Ephesians 5:16 says, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”
Are we doing that?
Biblical Time Management vs. Time Wasting
Jesus lived 33 years and transformed the world. Paul had limited time and still spread the gospel across continents. But in today’s world?
We waste hours overthinking instead of acting.
We delay obedience, saying, “I’ll do it later,” until later never comes.
We spend time on meaningless things and call it “rest.”
Yes, rest is important. But there’s a difference between rest and waste.
Nigerian Reality: Time and Procrastination Wahala
In Nigeria, we have a phrase: “I go do am later.”
That later never comes. We carry over important things like we’re students avoiding deadlines.
God is calling you to start that business? “I go reason am.”
He’s telling you to evangelize? “Next time.”
You have an exam? “I still get time.”
Before you know it, 10 years have passed, and nothing has changed.
How to Start Managing Time Biblically
Start Your Day With Purpose – Don’t just wake up and see how the day goes. Pray, set priorities, and attack the day with intentionality. (Psalm 90:12 – “Teach us to number our days.”)
Cut the Excuses – If something is important, you’ll make time for it. If it’s not, you’ll make excuses. (Ecclesiastes 11:4 – “Whoever watches the wind will not plant.”)
Reduce Time Wasters – Social media, endless gossip, pointless debates—cut them down!
Use Small Moments Wisely – Read your Bible while in transit. Pray while cooking. Listen to sermons during traffic. Those “idle” moments can become God moments.
Act Now, Not Later – The biggest lie we tell ourselves is “There’s still time.” Jesus said, “We must do the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)
Final Thoughts: The Clock is Ticking
One day, our time on earth will be up. We won’t get a rewind or extra credit for time wasted.
So… What are you doing with the time God gave you?
Let’s be honest—Christians are all over the place when it comes to justice.
Some are marching in the streets, fists in the air, chanting for change. Others are sitting comfortably in pews, shaking their heads, saying, “This world is not our home.” Then there are those who just quote Bible verses from a distance, hoping someone else will do the heavy lifting.
And here’s the kicker: every single one of them thinks they’re standing on biblical truth.
So, who’s right?
The War Over “Justice”
If you ever want to see Christians go to war, just bring up justice. It’s like throwing fuel on a wildfire. Different viewpoints:
“Social justice is a gospel issue!”
“No, justice is about personal righteousness, not political activism!”
“Just preach the gospel. Jesus didn’t come to fix society.”
Uh… okay, but have you read Isaiah? Amos? Micah? You know, the prophets who practically screamed about justice? “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). Sounds like God cares about this stuff, doesn’t it?
Jesus: The Justice Disruptor
Here’s the thing—Jesus didn’t fit neatly into any one camp. He wasn’t a political activist leading protests, but He also didn’t sit back and “mind His business.” He flipped tables, challenged corrupt leaders, defended the oppressed, and confronted sin both in the temple and in society.
But He also didn’t push for a utopian political takeover. His mission was bigger than that—justice wasn’t just about fixing systems, it was about fixing hearts.
So, Where Do We Stand?
The Bible doesn’t give us the luxury of ignoring justice, but it also doesn’t tell us to put all our hope in human governments or ideologies. The problem is, we’ve made justice a battle of camps instead of a reflection of God’s kingdom.
Justice isn’t just activism. It’s not just personal holiness. It’s both.
It’s feeding the hungry and preaching the gospel. It’s fighting corruption and walking in personal integrity. It’s calling out evil and extending grace.
Because at the end of the day, justice isn’t about picking sides—it’s about aligning with God’s heart.
So, Here’s the Real Question…
If Jesus walked into your city today, would He see you fighting for the oppressed, living righteously, and standing for truth?
Or would He just see you arguing online?
Let’s talk. 👇 What do you think biblical justice actually looks like?
Alright, let’s be real. If the world is falling apart—wars, corruption, poverty, oppression—should Christians be the ones fixing it, or should we just focus on telling people about Jesus and let the world burn?
I mean, let’s imagine you’re standing in front of a man drowning in a river.
Do you:
A) Shout “Brother, believe in Jesus, and you will be saved!” or
B) Jump in, drag him out, and then talk about salvation over a warm cup of tea?
Because, let’s be honest, if he drowns before hearing the message, that’s a problem.
This is where Christians are divided.
Some say,
“Just preach! The world is doomed anyway!”
Others say,
“Fix society! How can they hear the Gospel when they’re starving?”
So, what’s the right approach?
What Did Jesus Do?
Jesus was the ultimate evangelist, right? But let’s look at His actual ministry strategy:
He preached. No argument there.
He fed people. (Matthew 14:13-21 – Feeding the 5,000)
He healed the sick. (Matthew 8:16 – He healed all who came to Him.)
He defended the oppressed. (John 8:1-11 – Saving the woman from being stoned.)
He flipped tables. (Matthew 21:12-13 – Because some “church folks” were exploiting the poor.)
Jesus did not just say, “Believe in Me and forget about your earthly problems.” He cared about people’s real struggles.
What About the Early Church?
Now, let’s talk about the original gangsters of Christianity—the apostles. Did they just preach and leave society alone? Nope.
The church in Acts literally shared everything (Acts 4:32-35). Imagine that—no Christian was poor because they actually helped each other.
They created the first welfare system—caring for widows and orphans (Acts 6:1-7).
They went against corrupt systems. Paul wasn’t afraid to stand up to rulers. Peter was jailed for challenging the status quo.
They changed the Roman Empire! Christianity spread because believers were the only ones who cared for the sick during plagues.
The early church didn’t just talk about love. They lived it.
But Isn’t Preaching the Gospel Enough?
I get it. The Gospel is the main thing. No argument there.
But the Gospel isn’t just a message—it’s a life-changing force that affects everything.
If salvation doesn’t change how we treat the poor, the oppressed, and the hurting—then what kind of Gospel are we preaching?
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
– James 2:15-17
So, no.
Just saying “I’ll pray for you” while watching someone suffer isn’t real faith.
Faith Is Action.
Think about it:
If William Wilberforce had just “preached the Gospel” and ignored slavery, millions would have remained in chains.
If Martin Luther King Jr. had just “preached the Gospel” and ignored racism, segregation would have lasted longer.
If missionaries today only preached and never built schools, hospitals, or wells, many would remain in suffering.
Jesus said we are salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).
Salt preserves, light reveals—both require engagement with the world.
A Gospel that doesn’t touch lives is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So, What’s the Answer?
Preach the Gospel. It’s the foundation of everything.
Engage Society. Fight corruption. Stand against injustice. Help the needy.
Live the Gospel. Don’t just talk about Jesus—reflect Him.
Because, listen—if the church won’t fix society, then who will?
🔥 What do you think? Should Christians actively change society, or is evangelism enough? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
1. The Political Tug-of-War: Is God a Conservative or a Liberal?
Picture this: 📢 A fiery American preacher says, “The Bible is clear—Jesus would be a Republican! Pro-life, pro-family, anti-socialism!” 📢 A passionate Nigerian pastor counters, “God is for the poor! Jesus fought oppression! He’d be against capitalism!” 📢 Meanwhile, in Europe, someone argues, “Christianity supports human rights, so clearly, Jesus would be progressive!”
So, who’s right?
In every part of the world, believers try to fit Jesus into their political box. We claim He is: 🟦 A Socialist (because He cared for the poor) 🟥 A Capitalist (because of the parable of the talents) 🟩 A Nationalist (because He spoke of Israel’s restoration) 🟨 A Globalist (because He sent disciples to all nations)
But here’s the question: Does the Bible even take a side?
2. Politics in the Bible – Was Jesus Left or Right?
If we define left as prioritizing social justice, equality, and government intervention and right as emphasizing personal responsibility, moral conservatism, and limited government, then Jesus did things that could fit both sides!
Where Jesus Sounds Like a Conservative (Right-Wing):
📖 Matthew 19:4-6 – He upheld traditional marriage between male and female. 📖 John 14:6 – He claimed exclusivity: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (Not very “inclusive” by today’s standards.) 📖 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” (Sounds like an argument for hard work over handouts.) 📖 Romans 13:1-7 – Paul says we should obey governing authorities.
Where Jesus Sounds Like a Liberal (Left-Wing):
📖 Luke 4:18-19 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the oppressed.” 📖 Acts 2:44-45 – Early Christians “shared everything they had” and provided for each other’s needs. 📖 Matthew 25:35-40 – Jesus prioritized feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and welcoming strangers. 📖 Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan showed radical love to a foreigner—crossing cultural and political divides.
So… was Jesus a conservative or a liberal?
3. The Bible’s Political History – A Global Perspective
In Nigeria and much of Africa, Christianity is often tied to traditional values and moral conservatism. But issues like corruption, social justice, and economic inequality are major concerns. Some pastors preach prosperity gospel (which leans right—personal wealth) while others advocate for social justice (which leans left).
In China, underground churches thrive under a government that opposes Christianity. Many Chinese believers see government control as oppression, aligning them more with libertarian (small-government) ideals.
In Europe, Christianity has largely influenced human rights, democracy, and social policies. But today, European churches are often divided between traditional morality (right-leaning) and progressive social justice (left-leaning).
In the Middle East, where Christians are minorities, faith is not political—it’s survival. Believers face persecution regardless of whether their views lean left or right.
So depending on where you live, Christianity might seem more conservative or more liberal. But is this how it’s supposed to be?
4. Jesus and Politics – The Real Answer
Let’s be clear: ❌ Jesus was NOT a Republican, Democrat, APC, PDP, Labour, Socialist, Capitalist, or anything in between. ✔️ Jesus is King. His Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).
When people tried to drag Him into politics, He refused. ✅ Matthew 22:15-22 – The Pharisees tried to trap Him with taxes. Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” ✅ John 6:15 – After feeding the 5,000, people wanted to make Him king. Jesus refused. ✅ Luke 20:20-26 – He never told people to overthrow Rome, even though they wanted Him to.
Jesus didn’t come to take a political side—He came to establish a Kingdom that transcends politics.
5. The Danger of Political Christianity
When Christians tie their faith to a political ideology, we risk: ❌ Compromising biblical truth – Making Jesus fit into a party instead of following Him fully. ❌ Losing focus – Politics is temporary. The Kingdom of God is eternal. ❌ Dividing the church – Instead of being one in Christ, we fight over left vs. right.
In Nigeria, many pastors endorse politicians instead of preaching the Gospel. In America, some Christians treat elections as spiritual warfare. In China, believers must navigate faith under a controlling government.
But the truth is: No political party or system will ever fully represent the heart of God.
6. So, How Should Christians Engage in Politics?
Politics is everywhere. Whether it’s Nigeria’s heated elections, America’s party wars, China’s strict control, or Europe’s shifting ideologies, every Christian must decide: How do I live out my faith in a political world?
We often get caught in two extremes: ❌ Some Christians completely avoid politics, believing it’s corrupt and worldly. ❌ Others make politics their religion, believing a particular party or leader is the “savior” of their country.
But the Bible shows a better way—engage without compromise and stand for truth without idolizing power.
Let’s break it down.
1️⃣ Put Kingdom Above Country
📖 “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 3:20
Before being Nigerian, American, Chinese, Kenyan, British, Indian, or Filipino, we are citizens of Heaven. That means our first loyalty isn’t to a political party, national leader, or government—it’s to Jesus and His Kingdom.
Trivialities:
This doesn’t mean we ignore national issues.
It means we don’t let nationalism override biblical truth.
If a law, leader, or movement goes against God’s word, our allegiance is clear—we follow Christ first.
🛑 Question: Are you more passionate about defending your political stance than sharing the Gospel?
2️⃣ Stand for Truth, Not a Party
📖 “You shall not follow a crowd in doing evil.”
— Exodus 23:2
This is where it gets tough. Many believers support a political party, not because it’s biblically sound, but because it’s “our side.” We defend policies and leaders, even when they clearly contradict Scripture.
Trivialities:
If your party promotes injustice, will you speak up?
If your party supports moral corruption, will you challenge it?
Jesus never took sides with the Pharisees or Sadducees — He confronted both!
🔥 Truth over tribe. Kingdom over politics.
🛑 Question: Are you willing to disagree with your own political camp if it goes against God’s word?
3️⃣ Seek Justice and Righteousness
📖 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
— Micah 6:8
The Bible is deeply concerned with justice. But here’s where it gets tricky—different political sides define justice differently.
Trivialities:
The Left emphasizes social justice, poverty, and systemic issues.
The Right emphasizes personal responsibility, law, and order.
Jesus emphasized BOTH. He helped the poor AND called people to repentance.
🔥 Biblical justice doesn’t fit into a party—it challenges all parties!
🛑 Question: Are you fighting for God’s justice, or just your political preference?
4️⃣ Pray for Leaders, Even If You Disagree
📖 “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
— 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Let’s be honest. Some leaders are easy to pray for. Others… not so much. But the Bible doesn’t say, “Pray for the leaders you like.” It says pray for ALL.
Trivialities:
If your candidate loses, will you still pray for the winner?
If your leader is corrupt, will you pray for his repentance instead of just complaining?
If your nation’s laws oppose your faith, will you still seek God’s will?
🔥 Prayer is more powerful than politics.
🛑 Question: Do you pray for your country’s leaders, or just criticize them?
5️⃣ Engage, But Don’t Idolize Politics
📖 “Put not your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”
— Psalm 146:3
Let’s get real: Politics will never save us. No president, governor, senator, or party will bring true righteousness. Only Jesus can.
Trivialities:
Vote wisely, but don’t trust elections to fix sin.
Advocate for justice, but don’t expect politicians to be perfect.
Be engaged, but remember—earthly kingdoms will pass away.
🔥 Our hope isn’t in a political system—it’s in Christ.
🛑 Question: Is your faith in Jesus, or in a political movement?
🔥 Final Thought: Choose the Kingdom Over the World
✅ Get involved in politics. ✅ Speak out for truth. ✅ Defend justice. ✅ But don’t let politics become your god.
No political side fully represents Christ, but we are called to represent Him in every nation.
💬 Where do you struggle in this? How can Christians do better? Let’s discuss! 👇🔥
7. Where Do You Stand?
🔥 Does your faith shape your politics, or does your politics shape your faith? 🔥 Do you find yourself excusing unbiblical views just because your party supports them? 🔥 How can Christians engage in politics without losing focus on the Gospel?
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments! Let’s discuss.
