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- Your phone is outdated within months.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.