Are We Living a Materialistic Lifestyle?

Today's society is definitely different than it was in Jesus' time. Those living in Biblical times weren't bombarded every day with television and radio commercials for everything from designer jeans to $30,000 cars to the latest alcoholic beverage. They didn't even have internet (many people today are too young to remember a time without web surfing), and thus weren't subjected to countless pornography sites and other sinful works.

They had their fair share of problems, such as trying to fit in with the times, avoid being murdered by the Pharisees and the Saducees, avoiding highwaymen, and understanding the obligatory 'where's for dinner?'

Seriously, though, our society has definitely changed. It's evolved, and while some areas have improved, such as medical science, home amenities and communication technology, I sometimes wonder if even the most devout of Christians get caught up in a materialistic lifestyle from time to time.

It's hard not to find the latest Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren clothing attractive, and it's difficult not to turn your head when a sleek new BMW rolls by. Walking through Walmart and looking at the latest gadgets in electronics can provide hours of fun.

Where, though, is all of this leading today's generations, especially the younger ones? What messages are our kids receiving? Which do you think kids and teenagers are listening to more, the Word of Christ, or the words of the announcer on your television set? Which one do you think many of our younger generations are getting high on, Salvation or marijuana? Unfortunately, nowadays, it's not just marijuana (which is bad enough), but designer drugs such as GHB, meth and cocaine. That's for another story to follow shortly.