Natasha Crain asserts that the secular worldview’s ultimate goal in life is happiness; their ultimate guide is feelings; their ultimate sin is judging; and their ultimate “guess” is God. We see this played out daily in a world obsessed with having more—more money, more possessions, more status. Many people find themselves trapped in an endless cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. The pursuit of material wealth promises happiness but often leaves us feeling empty, no matter how much we acquire. If you’ve felt the tug of this dissatisfaction, the elusive nature of “happiness,” you’re not alone. Many are beginning to realize that the drive for happiness, cloaked in materialism, despite all its promises, cannot provide lasting fulfillment. But there is a way out of this cycle, and it’s found in the simple yet profound way of Jesus.
1. The Never-Ending Cycle of Wanting More
Materialism thrives on the hope that accumulating more possessions will lead to happiness. The problem is that satisfaction resulting from acquisition is always temporary. No matter how much we have, there’s always something more, something better—another gadget, a bigger house, a higher paycheck—that we’re convinced will finally make us feel complete.
Sadly, the more we consume, the more we seem to crave. John Mark Comer, in his book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, points out, “We’re constantly fed the lie that we’ll be happy once we get the next thing. But it’s a hamster wheel that we can never get off.” This constant striving creates anxiety, stress, and a sense of meaninglessness as we become slaves to what we own—or, more accurately, to what we want to own next. This is a type of “abiding in ourselves.”
2. Only Christ Offers True Satisfaction
Abiding in Jesus offers an alternative to the endless pursuit of more. In contrast to the consumer-driven lifestyle, abiding in Christ leads us to a life of simplicity, contentment, and trust in God’s provision. In John 6:35, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Here, Jesus isn’t just talking about physical hunger; He’s addressing the deep spiritual longing that drives us to fill our lives with material things.
Unlike material possessions, which offer temporary satisfaction, a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus satisfies the soul in a way that nothing else can. His love, peace, and presence offer a kind of fulfillment that transcends the need for more “stuff.” When we learn to place our trust in Him, we can finally find rest from the never-ending pursuit of happiness through material gain.
3. The Beauty of a Simple, Contented Life
The “Jesus life” is a model of simplicity and contentment. He lived without wealth yet was never without purpose or joy. He taught His followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth and to trust God to provide for their needs (Matthew 6:19-33). Jesus wasn’t concerned with possessions; His focus was on the restoration of relationships—between God and His people.
Modeling a simpler life focused like Jesus—on people and reconciliation—frees us from the chains of materialism. It allows us to appreciate the things that truly matter—faith, love, and community. As Comer writes, “Jesus didn’t just save us from our sin; He saved us to a new way of life.” A simpler Christ-centered life leads to greater peace, less stress, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
4. Finding Joy in What Really Matters
When we shift our focus from accumulating more to living out the life to which Jesus calls us, we begin to see joy in things we once overlooked: meaningful conversations, time spent with loved ones, or the simple act of serving others. These are what bring real lasting happiness—things that money can’t buy.
Jesus promises that when we invest in these eternal treasures rather than the temporary pleasures of wealth and possessions, we’ll declutter our lives, enabling us to focus on what truly matters. We’ll not only experience deeper joy but also grow in our relationship with God and others.
Conclusion: An Invitation to Discover Jesus Together
If you’re tired of the materialistic cycle and want to experience the peace and fulfillment that only Christ can offer, consider gathering some friends or family to explore a Discovery Bible Study (DBS). This simple yet transformative and easily reproducible way of engaging true stories about Jesus (and the rest of the Bible) allows you to encounter Jesus in a fresh and personal way. Let’s do this together!
Magnificent writing Brother. Thank you for the very well communicated challenge and recommended alteration of direction for some, including us!
Amen Rick! Thank you for this beautiful encouraging word!
God bless brother! Keep up the good work.