Materialism and Robin Hood
Materialism is idolatry.
I see so many things that steal and thieve from the Church as a whole. Materialism and the love of money is the root of ALL evil, Paul said in 1 Tim. 6:10. "For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs." RSV
Do you get that? People have turned their back on God for the love of money and riches and fame and a name. On Saturday after Abby's wonderful wedding, we came home to watch a marathon of 7 episodes of the new season of BBC America's "Robin Hood". In episode 7, Allan-A-Dale is turncoat to Robin and gang, joining forces with Sir Guy, all because he wanted to reap monetary benefits for himself. He was no longer satisfied to "take from the rich to give to the poor." He sold out his friends to get what he wanted. I think sometimes we sell Jesus out to get what we want out of life. I have seen it too many times, over and over. We do our own thing with arrogant hearts turned against Him. We make decisions based on monetary concerns, rather than God's will.
BTW, you can check the show out here; it's FAB!!! I can't get over the fact that the handsome Richard Armitage who played the noble John in the movie adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's "North and South" plays antagonist Guy of Gisborne!
http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/195/index.jsp
I have several friends who worship shopping...having the new "IT" thing...wearing the latest fads...or characterize themselves as "material girls." In fact, when I think of them, I think of them in reference to the things that they like- perfume, heels, makeup, hair, tattoos, etc. Well, ladies. God calls it idolatry...worshiping ourselves and the things of this world.
Do you remember Vanity Fair in Pilgrim's Progress? I have listened to that book on tape and read about six different versions over my lifetime, but always will I remember the important and influential character Faithful who died in Vanity Fair. He refused to give up his faith in the face of so many worldly distractions and foes. He closed his eyes and look "straight ahead" so as not to be distracted, and in doing so made a life-changing impression on Christian.
If God does not consume our life in His, if He does not fully envelop our desires, dreams, playtimes, personality, relationships, hobbies, and secrets, then He is not our God. John said, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." KJV
I see so many things that steal and thieve from the Church as a whole. Materialism and the love of money is the root of ALL evil, Paul said in 1 Tim. 6:10. "For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs." RSV
Do you get that? People have turned their back on God for the love of money and riches and fame and a name. On Saturday after Abby's wonderful wedding, we came home to watch a marathon of 7 episodes of the new season of BBC America's "Robin Hood". In episode 7, Allan-A-Dale is turncoat to Robin and gang, joining forces with Sir Guy, all because he wanted to reap monetary benefits for himself. He was no longer satisfied to "take from the rich to give to the poor." He sold out his friends to get what he wanted. I think sometimes we sell Jesus out to get what we want out of life. I have seen it too many times, over and over. We do our own thing with arrogant hearts turned against Him. We make decisions based on monetary concerns, rather than God's will.
BTW, you can check the show out here; it's FAB!!! I can't get over the fact that the handsome Richard Armitage who played the noble John in the movie adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's "North and South" plays antagonist Guy of Gisborne!
http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/195/index.jsp
I have several friends who worship shopping...having the new "IT" thing...wearing the latest fads...or characterize themselves as "material girls." In fact, when I think of them, I think of them in reference to the things that they like- perfume, heels, makeup, hair, tattoos, etc. Well, ladies. God calls it idolatry...worshiping ourselves and the things of this world.
Do you remember Vanity Fair in Pilgrim's Progress? I have listened to that book on tape and read about six different versions over my lifetime, but always will I remember the important and influential character Faithful who died in Vanity Fair. He refused to give up his faith in the face of so many worldly distractions and foes. He closed his eyes and look "straight ahead" so as not to be distracted, and in doing so made a life-changing impression on Christian.
If God does not consume our life in His, if He does not fully envelop our desires, dreams, playtimes, personality, relationships, hobbies, and secrets, then He is not our God. John said, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." KJV