John Mark Comer’s 12 Principles For Fighting Materialism 

More often than not, when I use the word materialism on this blog, I typically mean: philosophical materialism (essentially, the worldview that believes that moving matter is all there really is). However, that type of materialism is not the only enemy of Christianity. It could even be argued that materialism in the sense of too great a value being placed on physical goods and possessions, is an even greater threat to our faith. The Scriptures are filled with warnings against guarding ourselves from misplaced affections and attachments to the things of this world. 

John Mark Comer has a chapter in his book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, where he discusses the spiritual discipline of simplicity. This discipline doesn’t involve a legalistic reaction against the many good gifts that God gives, but rather teaches us to live with less, rather than with nothing. 

For modern day Americans, both secular and Christian, we easily underestimate just how materialistic we can be. Comer offers a list of 12 principles for helping us to push against materialism in our daily lives. He is careful to point out that these are principles and not rules. He wants us to think like disciples, not legalists. If followed, he argues they will lead to more freedom and joy, not less. 

For the most part, I find them to be very practical and wise. Here is a slightly paraphrased/edited version of his list:

1. Before you buy something, ask yourself: What is the true cost of this item? Look beyond the ticket price to the upkeep and time related costs as well.
2. Before you buy, ask yourself: By buying this, am I oppressing the poor or harming the earth? Be willing to pay more for both fair trade and sustainability. 
3. Never impulse buy. 
4. When you do buy, opt for fewer, better things. Learn to desire less instead of seeking more. 
5. When you can, share. Share what you have with others and be willing to let others share with you. 
6. Get into the habit of giving things away. Give. Generously. Regularly. Give till it hurts. 
7. Live by a budget. Talk through big purchases with others.
8. Learn to enjoy things without owning them. 
9. Cultivate a deep appreciation for creation. 
10. Cultivate a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures. 
11. Recognize advertising for what it is—propaganda. Call out the lie. 
12. Lead a cheerful, happy revolt against the spirit of materialism.

Overall, with maybe a slight disagreement here or there, I think that these are great principles for a Christian, or anyone for that matter, to think through and adopt. The average American has a lot of money and way too much stuff. We should be thankful for things God has given us. That’s good. #Blessed, anyone? 

But at the same time, didn’t Jesus say that it is more blessed to give than to receive? There is a tension in the Christian life when it comes to giving thanks for things given, and avoiding materialism. 

As Comer wisely states:

In Jesus’ life and teaching we see the very same tension that runs all the way through the library of Scripture: on the one hand, the world and everything in it are “very good” and meant to be enjoyed and shared with those in need. On the other hand, too much wealth is dangerous. It has the potential to turn our hearts away from God. When that happens, our greedy, off-kilter hearts wreak havoc not only on our lives, sabotaging our happiness, but more importantly on others’, widening the gap between rich and poor and doing damage to the earth itself. 

All that said, I think most of us Americans don’t have all that much of a problem with taking and enjoying the very good things. I’d venture that in most cases we could all use a gentle nudge (or a slight shove?) in a direction that is less focused on acquiring wealth and material possessions. Why not take just one step, or adopt just one of these principles, and give it a try?

References:

John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (Colorado Springs: WaterBrook, 2019), 203-213

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