Materialism is the belief that physical matter is the only reality, and that everything, including thought, feeling, mind, and will, can be explained in terms of matter and physical phenomena. It denies the existence of God, soul, spirit, or any kind of transcendent or supernatural reality. For materialists, material possessions and physical comfort are the greatest good in life.
The Bible has a very different view of materialism. Scripture teaches that human beings have both a physical and spiritual nature. While our bodies are made of material components, we also have an immaterial soul that will exist eternally (Matthew 10:28). The Bible warns against valuing material possessions over spiritual things. Jesus said, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26). He taught that life is more than food, clothes or possessions (Luke 12:23). Scripture instructs us to set our hearts on the eternal spiritual realities of God’s kingdom rather than on temporary earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21).
The Bible condemns greed, consumerism, and an unhealthy desire for money and possessions (Luke 12:15; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:5). Christians are exhorted to find contentment and be generous with material resources, not hoarding them for themselves (1 Timothy 6:6-8; Luke 12:33). Scripture warns that the love of money and obsession with accumulating possessions can lead people astray from genuine faith (1 Timothy 6:10). The accumulation of material wealth does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
Rather than seeking happiness in earthly things, the Bible instructs us to set our minds on the eternal (Colossians 3:1-2). We are to value people over possessions and cultivate spiritual virtues over material wealth (1 Timothy 6:11-12, 17-19). Our lives should be defined by loving God and serving others, not by the abundance of our material goods (Matthew 6:24; Luke 12:15; 1 John 2:15-17). Jesus calls His followers to generously use material resources to love and serve those in need (Luke 12:33; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15).
In contrast to materialism, the Bible presents a spiritual view of life and reality. Human beings are more than just physical bodies and material possessions do not ultimately satisfy. While we live in a physical world, we are also spiritual beings created to be in relationship with God. Jesus said true life is found by loving and serving God, not by material wealth (Matthew 6:19-21; John 6:27). Our purpose is to glorify Him, not satisfy material desires (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The apostle Paul described the contrast between a material and spiritual perspective this way in Philippians 3:18-20: “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Rather than loving the things of this world, Christians are called to store up eternal treasures in heaven by using earthly resources to love God and serve others (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). We are to be content with material necessities while investing our lives primarily in the spiritual and eternal (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Scripture instructs us not to love the world or the things in it, but to live in pursuit of God’s kingdom and righteousness (1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 6:33).
In summary, the Bible presents a view of life very different from materialism. Human identity and meaning are defined relationally and spiritually, not materially. While we should appreciate and steward material resources wisely, our focus should be loving God and people, not pursuing possessions. Earthly wealth will not satisfy or give meaning to life. Jesus calls us to value the spiritual over the material, the eternal over the temporary. By investing our lives in loving others and pursuing God’s kingdom, we store up eternal rewards that will far surpass any earthly treasure (Luke 12:33-34).
The Bible cautions against greed, consumerism, dependence on possessions, and loving the world. Scripture instructs us to be content, value relationships over things, freely share with those in need, and set our minds on the eternal. The Christian view of materialism calls for moderation, generosity, and cultivating a spiritual focus rather than a materialistic obsession. Our purpose is to glorify God, not satisfy worldly desires. True life is found in relationship with Jesus Christ, not the abundance of our possessions.
In contrast to the temporary nature of material things, God offers us an eternal spiritual hope through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3-5). A biblical view of materialism recognizes the dangers of greed and obsession with the temporal, instructing us to set our hearts on the eternal inheritance God offers us through faith in Christ. This eternal perspective sets believers free from dependence on earthly treasures to be generous and focused on the things of God and His timeless kingdom.
