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OPENING PRAYER: “Jesus, you are good and do only good. Teach me from your word today.” (based on Psalm 119:68)
Miss Have-It-All must think we all have lots of money, because she wants us to have the newest and the best. She says our meaning and value in life is based on the “stuff” in our lives. Media and advertising is one of her biggest helpers but she also uses friends and family to get us to believe her lies.
Miss Have-It-All’s Lies:
- Look at this! It’s awesome! You have to have it!
- EVERYONE has a ______ (fill in the blank: smart phone, car, big TV, big house, etc.)!
- If you had more or better things, then you’d be happy.
- If you don’t have _____ you’re not worth spending time with. You’re just lame.
- Do whatever it takes to get the next best thing out there.
- If you had _____, then your life would be perfect.
How These Lies May Impact Us If We Believe They Are True:
- We may feel depressed or stressed if we don’t have the latest toy/gadget/phone/etc.
- Our relationship with our parents may be strained if they can’t or won’t provide money for all of the stuff we want. They may not understand the pressure we feel from friends in this area; and therefore, we struggle to be open to them about anything.
- Constantly worry what other people think of you.
- If you do have some means to get more and more and more, your life gets so full with “stuff” that you forget what’s important.
- There is frustration when we find out that the things don’t actually bring satisfaction or joy. It’s an un-ending cycle because there’s always going to be a new thing.
Truth from God’s Word:
- For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:7-8)
The reality is that nothing we have is ours anyway. God gives us many things to enjoy and use for His glory and our good. But really we don’t need much to survive and be content. Sometimes when we simplify and cut things out of our lives, we find overwhelming peace. - Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
As mentioned above, there is often an overwhelming cycle when it comes to desires for material wealth or possessions. While this verse at first seems depressing, it also shows us an important truth that we will never find satisfaction in life outside of Jesus. - “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
God isn’t against us having things. He loves to give His children good gifts. Even if it doesn’t always feel like it, He promises He will provide all that we need. One of the ways we can most learn to trust God in this area is through sharing the gifts He’s given us with those in need around us or through the church.
Questions to Consider or Discuss:
- Having stuff isn’t bad. God gives us things to enjoy and use. Where do you think it crosses the line from being fine to enjoy material things to a bad thing in our lives?
- Who is someone at your school or in your life that seems to have “EVERYTHING”? Do they seem happy or not? If yes, what brings them happiness? If not, why do you think that is?
- Which truth from God’s word did you most need to hear today and why? What else might God be trying to tell you about the stuff in our lives?
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, help me trust you that you will provide all that I need. Remind me that my possessions do not define me, but instead you can give me a sense of my identity and purpose whether I have a lot or a little. When you do bless me with abundance, give me a heart to share that with those around me. Show me that true satisfaction is found in you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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