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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Material vs Spiritual Values: Is there a biblical balance?
Submitted to Dr. Russell Woodbridge, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the completion of any course
THEO 650-D01
Public Theology
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Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Material Values ................................................................................................................................. 4
Secular Explanation and Practices .......................................................................................... 5
A Biblical View .......................................................................................................................... 6
Spiritual Values ................................................................................................................................. 8
Spirituality and Bible ............................................................................................................... 9
Biblical Spirituality ................................................................................................................. 11
Values of Christianity ............................................................................................................. 13
Biblical Economical Ethics ............................................................................................................ 14
Financial Stability ................................................................................................................... 14
The reign of King Solomon ................................................................................................... 15
Comparison of Vanity and Necessity .................................................................................... 16
Defining Contentment .................................................................................................................... 19
Contentment Areas ................................................................................................................. 20
Promise of God ........................................................................................................................ 21
Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 21
Bibliography .................................................................................................................................... 23
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Abstract
d d d d d d d d d d d In this research samples of material & spiritual values are identified in the beginning,
reviewing the possibility of biblical balance when they were scrutinized separately and a
comparison of both the values are made. This research will throw light on the case of balance
between the 2 values set in a biblical framework where material value is separated from
sustenance and necessity from vanity. Lastly, serenity or contentment is addressed as religious
value and a biblical command eliminating the idea of biblical balance of material and spiritual
values.
Introduction
Ethics in Christianity can be measured on a spiritual scale of the Bible, though, in
today’s scenario lot of values in Christianity cannot be well-adjusted from a biblical
standpoint. It is not much difficult to understand that Christian ethics is concerned with the
interaction of belief and practice (theoria and praxis ). In the present status quo, this has been
analyzed and observed through doctrinal and ethical replication that to renew practice –
praxis>theoria> praxis.1 When the church is informed about an ethical situation or to the
Christian community, the problem which the church face is a question of if applying the
traditional method is still feasible in the community at large currently. Many will make the
hard-hitting case that for communities to succeed, it is necessary to have good influence if
Christian community and with a strong foundation of Bible.
1 James Ian H., Mcdonald, etc. Christian Values: Theory and Practice in Christian Ethics Today, London:
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2001.xi.
.xi.
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The question remains should there be any change made in the Christian communities to include
the secular practices that society accepts and prioritizes today? Where does the expert come
from that controls the moral practices at hand? d It is obvious that the bible is the only source
that is used when there is a discussion around ethical & moral issues of Christians. The conflict
arises as some of the value which is practiced in today's modern society has no place in the
Christian communities and these values are not supported by the Bible. It is because these
papers will make an argument that material and spiritual values cannot be biblically balanced.
This will be fulfilled with at least one assumption. The Bible is the inerrable truth. Whenever
there is a question in mind on the validity of a statement or thought bible has the final verdict. It
is easy to govern that opinions, beliefs, and feelings of what is correct will not always come
along with the word of truth. Ethnicities and policy have challenged people on their
interpretation of the values of the bible and have come up wanting. A preacher once delivered a
message saying that the “World is right and Somebody is Wrong!”2. However, to understand
each definition of terms, values, both from a secular and biblical point of view it needs to be
explored.
Material Values
To define the term material value is a bit complex. Some define it will the help of Plato's belief
in wealth, health, and strength which creates a self-sufficient belief that all things are achieved
through hard work, intelligence, and inventiveness of each individual. This makes the individual
proud of the value placed un the things, family, vehicle, home, clothes, jobs, etc., David Hume
refers to these possessions as external advantages, "3 which indicate that any priority developed
over a period of time which may not have any necessity simply because of its relevance.
2 Pastor Alonzo Mulberry, Souls Mission Church of God in Christ, Palatka, Florida.
3 David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature, Ed. Selby-Bigge LA., Claendon Press, Oxford, 1988. 545.
5
According to Immanuel Kant's philosophy, the principal values of individuals develop through
duty or responsibility to oneself and farming of such values by their efforts. 4 It is logical then to
believe that material values can be considered as personal predilections pertaining to an item that
takes precedence in an individual's life.
Secular Explanation and Practices
One more dilemma can be understanding the personality of an individual. Value can be defined
as an element of moral value in the character of an individual or group, elements which shows
what person prizes utmost in living – rather like the pearl of countless price in Jesus parable”5.
The value of a particular thing is resolute by an individual, nevertheless, influence has a
significant role in material value. d Tim Kasser, a retired psychology professor from Knox
college(2019), has articulated materialism, values, and well being of people in around 120
articles. According to him the 2 major reasons because of which people endorse material values
are.
1.) As a socialization process, the social model endorse the significance of material
possessions
2.) There is a feeling of insecurities6 as there is a lack of fulfillment of the basic
psychological need for independence, affinity, and capability which creates a feeling of
insecurity6
Social media plays a major role as it drives the product and its lucrative business through
advertisement, It also assures maximum exposure to the customer. d The key factor which drives
materialism is commercialism, capitalism, and consumerism.
6
4.Immanuel Kant, The Metaphysics of Morals, 1797, (tr. Gregor M.) Cambridge University Press, 1996, 73.
5.James Ian H., Mcdonald, etc. Christian Values: Theory and Practice in Christian Ethics Today, London:
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2001. Xvii.
6.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0186104217300724#bib0170
Leon Festinger (8 May 1919- 11 February 1989), a social psychologist conducted a social
comparison theory which indicated that people judge themselves by measuring the opinions
given by others or by the abilities shown by others.7. Psychologically people experience a
natural desire what they look at other people experiencing in their life they also desire to
experience the same thing. One can consider this as a greedy and avaricious nature but most
would call this a wish to do better in their life or be a better individual, which is completely
natural (1 Cor 2:14). That Is the reason why commercials depict “everyday” people leading
life much like oneself. Due to which the consumer gets a feeling that all should procure this
product as it is very common and easily available and overall it will change their quality of
life. This naturally places value in the person's mind on material items making it a feeling
that this material is a necessary part of their lives.
A Biblical View
When a person starts placing value on material things the analogy of "pearl of great
price " seems to be a great fit with the concept of the person. In Matthew 13:45-46, Jesus
compares the value of heaven to the value of pearls owned by a merchant d Though there is no
comparison for the merchant the value of the pearl is more and he can sell anything to keep the
possession of those pearls. The idea of placing such value on material possession points directly
to the greed of individuals.
7
7.L. Festinger, A Theory of Social Comparison Process, Human Relations, 7 (1954), pp. 117-140,
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/001872675400700202.
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Bible also reminds each individual that all the conversation we make should without
acquisitiveness and be satisfied with things which we have as he said “ I will never thee, nor
forsake thee.”(Heb 13:5 KJV). d There is nothing in this world that can replace or take the place
of god. d The first directive is clear that no one places anything before god. A lot of available
scripture also reflect the importance of keeping God first in all the holy conversation of life,
however, Mathew 6:19-21 allows much replication. According to Jesus, The treasure built in
heaven has far more important than the treasure made on earth. Each individual should have a
purpose and their attention should always be on this agreement that wherever they have the
treasure their heart will be there. The bible emphasizes the point that none should value material
more than god and the business of god.
Spiritual Values
To understand Spiritual values we can say that any value given by God is a spiritual
value this is as described in the Bible according to his will in living holy. God created men in
the image of himself given him inborn morals. Holy spirits give man the capability to live to
bestow to the morals that are given by God ." (Rom 8:14 KJV) The value of an individual
should be the same as that of god as he is the child of God. Nothing on this earth can be
valued more than the god and his spirits. Galatians 5:22-26 describe that every Christian
should practice the value which is there in fruits of spirits. these are not random values, but
rather selfless, personal, and divine and are essential in any representation of values found on
all grounds
9
Psychologists Fauzia Nazamand Akbar Husain write;
Philanthropical values refer to value which promotes the spiritual growth of personalities such as
truthfulness, Kindness, Dependance on god, Remorse, Modesty, Unity, and charity and most
important love. Humanitarian values refer to value that guide our system and we get accustomed
to behaving and judging with self and others. d Promoting human values such as sincerity,
justice, goodness, forgiveness, courage, power, and wisdom plays a vital role. Individual values
are those values that guide an individual to be flawless and get strengthened in personal
relationships like Self-restraint, Altruïsm, commitment, humility, decency, patience, and
resilience. Spiritual value is those which help us to love God and are the values that offer to
Gods such as piety and empathy. And finally, Emotional values help to develop peace within
oneself and live in harmony with others such as sensitivity, gentleness, and satisfaction 8.
Spiritual values flourish through the love of God, working of the holy spirit, and compliance to
god's word, these are the fruit of the spirit that dwells in believers. Jesus taught, " that anything
born from flesh is flesh and the one which is born from Spirit is spirit .” (Jhn3:6KJV ) Spiritual
value is possessed by someone who practices in living his life spiritually.
Spirituality and Bible
Spirituality is not only bound to the Bible. As per research, 90% of Americans believe in "high
power, 62 % belong to a church or tabernacle, which means nearly forty percent of Americans
have no connection or believe in any religion9 . Devoutness or spirituality can be demarcated as
an individual's pursuit for a connotation of human life. There is a countless form of religiousness
or religious experience some are known whereas many are unknown or not usually practiced.
Yoga, Chanting of intonation, Meditation is some of the mystical practice which is denoted as
spirituality. Most of these mystical practices are not found in church or are not biblically
practiced. According to Robert Fuller, 3 types of individuals can be denoted as ‘ unchurched "
individuals.
8.Fauzia Nazam, Akbar Husain, Exploring Spiritual Values among School Children. Int J Sch Cog Psychol
3: 175. 2016, 1.
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1. “ Secular humanist “ Fuller labeled the first group with this tag as they have no
connection d with gods 10
2. the second group is those who are unclear about church-going and belief other religion
and practice that belief along with some belief from the bible11. This group considers
themselves spiritual because they follow some principle of the church.
3. The last group considers themselves religious though they do not practice any religion.
According to fuller belief, they are spiritual but not religious12 .
Fuller shares that one out of every five Americans describe themselves in this way13.
Biblical Spirituality
Bible says that spirituality deals with any kind of individual connection with God. d It is a kind
of personal talk or walk with God. d The scriptures have always defined it this way, and it is like
walking with any kind of spirit or, walking in godliness14 . When one submits himself towards
the spirit of God, he does so by obeying all the laws set up for him by God as a plan for Israel
as per the Old Testament. d For example, we can see that Noah also took his walk with God and
he did so with those who didn't even know about God (Gen 6:9-12). d He had some kind of a
spiritual connection with god in addition to the spiritual values that were needed by God for all
kinds of humanity.
10. Ibid., 3.
11. Ibid.
12. Ibid., 4.
13. Ibid., 5.
14. J. Harold Ellens, Understanding Religious Experiences: What the Bible Says About Spirituality.
Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality, Westport, Conn: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2008, 22.
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But it was really unfortunate that only Noah and his family were able to practice this kind of
values. d The spirituality mentioned in the Bible is broken down by J. Harold Ellens in various
categories that list about the celebration of God, talking with God15 in the form of prayer, and
counting on him, by seeing and searching for him. d To establish communion with God each of
them equal in their merit. d They hold a very necessary and important place while walking with
God. d There is a whole chapter that is dedicated to spirituality where II Holy Spirit 16 is also
mentioned where Ellens is specifically talking about the origin of spirituality. d He also says,
“Any quest for understanding by biblical spirituality must take account of the Holy Spirit.” d It
can be seen that the presence of the Holy Spirit is maintained throughout the Bible from the
very beginning till the very end and it has been working in its believer's life. d It seems to be a
kind of promise that has been made by Jesus to lend a helping hand of navigation to his
believer. d He States, “but the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I
have said unto you.” (Jhn 14:26 KJV) true Bible Eagle spirituality is prevented whenever the
Holy Spirit is absent. d Whenever an individual is searching for spirituality he must have a
hunger that acts as a craving for the Holy Spirit. “Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after
righteousness: d for they shall be filled.”(Matt 5:6 KJV)
15. J. Harold Ellens, Understanding Religious Experiences: What the Bible Says About Spirituality.
Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality, Westport, Conn: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2008, vii.
16. J. Harold Ellens, Understanding Religious Experiences: What the Bible Says About Spirituality.
Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality, Westport, Conn: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2008, 92.
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Values of Christianity
Christian values are solidified by the Holy Spirit and the gift of salvation. Most values are found
to be biblical, people lacking "biblical values" practice values that are often considered biblical.
The Christian values primarily focus on Christian living and its moral priorities. Until one faces
those situations, it is relatively easier to narrate the "Christian" thing. Ethics and values often
work together; while Christian values and personal ethics often clash. For instance, the case in
point; a teenage girl belonging to a Christian family gets pregnant wherein unborn’s father
disappears. In this case, many moral issues need to be considered. Firstly she had sex before
marriage, which is against Christian values. However, abortion is an unethical solution to this
problem, but for Christians it ethical for this type of situation. The teenager is at will to do what
she feels is good for her but it is even her parent’s responsibility to teach her Christian values as
per Bible (Pro 22:6). This inclines towards deontology that forms the duty and responsibility, but
for whom? As per Christian values, the teenager will be allowed to deliver the child, but the
child will either land in adoption or be kept. The teenager shall ask God to forgive her, guide
her for the right path and live as per God’s word, even though she might be subjected to public
humiliation, suffer from damage in her body parts, get late graduation and jeopardize school
scholarships. On the contrary, if the family decides to go for an abortion considering social
stigmas, the decision breaks away as Christian values are concerned. d It considers the duties of a
parent towards their child and is considered to be personal values. Slippery Slope? Yes, from
here ethics arise. “Ethics requires that one can achieve sufficient detachment from the situation
to allow rational argumentation, critical analysis and general reflection” 17 . d This surely consists
of biblical support that can be considered biblical or Christian ethics from a diverse angle of
moral compass.
17. James Ian H., Mcdonald, etc. Christian Values: Theory and Practice in Christian Ethics Today, London:
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2001, xvii.
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Biblical Economical Ethics
Being a Christian, it is equally important to practice biblical ethics and know about their
importance and use in everyday life. In theological situations, controversies arose because
scriptures were applied in contemporary problems thus resulting in debates. While considering
economical ethics, it is evident that the Bible is archaic and thus is irrelevant for modern
cultures. On the divergent side, if economics is subjected to a hermeneutical, theological, and
exegetical approach, it shall result in a clear understanding of the importance of economical
biblical ethics.
Financial Stability
In all cultures be it traditional or modern, economics plays a major role. The critical factors
affecting finances are age, sex, occupation, wealth, origins, and heritage of the family 18. The
book of Joshua states God's Word (Jos1:8) wherein it addresses the ways to attain financial
independence, be prosperous and successful. Prosperity differs from to person and contains a
personal definition. For some, they are prosperous due to an abundant family while for other
success measures their prosperity. In ancient times success and prosperity were measured in
terms of having a large healthy family. The notion has not changed since then, still, now God
wants financial stability for His people and provides a direction for achieving it. According to
God’s order, humans will be achieving prosperity by material pleasures and there are ample
resources to achieve it 19. Assurance for daily provisions comes from Jesus for those that seek
his righteousness and the kingdom of God (Matt 6:25-34). It is very much important to
understands God’s commands and show commitment towards him. David declared “I have been
young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread”.
18. Albino Barrera, Biblical Economic Ethics: Sacred Scripture's Teachings on Economic Life, Blue Ridge
Summit: Lexington Books, 2013, 139.
19 Ibid., 226.
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(Ps 37: 25 KJV)Jesus rose from death and proclaimed life more abundantly (Jhn 2:1-11) over
his believers for blood to flow powerfully and the Gospel spread. d This was his ultimate purpose
for dying on the cross, not only for prosperity but for kingdoms to come (Mar 10: 29-30). Paul
in his epistle addressed to Philipians guaranteed financial stability by saying “But my God shall
supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19 KJV)
The reign of King Solomon
In the Bible, King Solomon is the most interesting king. He reigned for forty years in Israel and
was widely known for his abundant wisdom, (1 Kings 3:16) multiple concubines and wives (1
Kings 11:3), and plentiful wealth (1 Kings 10). He was blessed by God and was asked to pick
anything of his choice; he chose wisdom, thus valuing his connection with God. In order to
construct the finest temple for God, it took seven long years. It was built with precious materials
like pure gold (1 Kings 6). His own home remained unfinished for thirteen long years, later he
built it besides God's temple. In spite of his extravagant buildings (that include one belonging to
his Egyptian wife), God constantly blessed Solomon. It was based on two important
observations. 1) Solomon was a staunch believer in God, prayed regularly, and sung praises for
him 2) Solomon took the responsibility of caring for God's people and used his position and
wealth to serve God's Kingdom. 20. Some may ask, what led to the fall of Solomon? It was
neither tyranny on the People of God, nor greed, but not obeying God's Commandment. “ Let
your heart, therefore, be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his
commandments, as at this day." (1Kings 8: 61KJV) this vow Solomon made to himself and God
21. Once he left Egypt, he completely ignored God's Law that was given to the Israelites (Ex
34:12-17).
20 Philip Graham Ryken, King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power. Crossway; 2011., 53.
21 Ibid., 77.
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He started making deals with foreign kings and got married to foreigners, but he started
worshipping when God warned him. Solomon started basing his existence on God's grace. He
firmly believed that it is the grace of God that made his existence. Solomon was given a
purpose, and he tried to fulfill it with his deeds. d His father's thanksgiving speech before his
death said “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly
after this sort? For all things of thee, and thine own have we given thee” (1Chr 29:14).
Comparison of Vanity and Necessity
The quote says "vanity of vanities! d All is vanity" (Eccles. 1:2) with the exploration of his
variety of personal resources Solomon describes his multiple quests both for satisfaction and
meaning in life. There were a lot of blessings that were given to him in addition to wisdom by
God. But he gives more value to his communion with God. The abuse created by wealth or any
kind of love given for material items never came from a warning of Solomon's vanity. d
However, it came from the laws he felt in his life in the absence of God's spirit. It can be seen
that there are so many factors on which wealth has its dependence and there are a variety of
different ways in which it can be seen. d it is really easy e that purpose or origin of all the things
can be forgotten. d It is also very sad that in the absence of knowledge of the purpose the abuse
which comes is inevitable. On this earth, a provision has been created for every creature by God,
and this is something which was termed by Albino Barrera as “the divine gift of economic
security.” 22
22 Albino Barrera, Economic Compulsion and Christian Ethics: New Studies in Christian Ethics,
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005, 77.
17
18
For all Creations God has supplied enough both for acquisition and distribution as well. d His
intended order is quite intrinsic and can be considered as a gift from God. It is not the case that
the Bible is not aware of stewardship (Gen 1:28; 2:15), d but of the message that says to take
care of what one is having and God will bless him with all the more is usually taught more than
it is required. It should be this way that you are allowed to take whatever you want but you
should also lend your hand to help the community and those who are not that fortunate. Paul has
written it as, “As every man hath received the gift, even so, Minister the same one to another, as
good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”(Pet 4: 10 d KJV) a good steward is the one who
takes what has been provided to him by God and utilizes it prayerfully to benefit those who are
around him and for whom it is meant. In the Bible, there is no place for excess. d But it is a
mention of taking care of the less fortunate ones in God's way (Lev 19:9-10). God always
wanted everyone to enjoy whatever he has provided, and this is why it is God's purpose to go
this way. (Mal 3:10) the rich fool’s parable (Luke 12:16-21) this can be taken just as an example
of God's views about greed and vanity. All have also mentioned such things which are not
expedient but lawful (1C or 6:12) Whenever God gives anything to a person, he gives it in the
form of a gift and they can do anything they wish for with that gift. d However, it doesn't mean
that the utilization of gifts is also as per God's will. This is the only difference between vanity
and necessity. In 2015 Last week tonight's John Oliver ran a popular story with private Jets 23
which was based on pastors. When he was asked about such lavish spending, he said that the
worldwide Ministries considered it to be a “necessary” part.
It was an enhancing tool that was used to take the Gospel far away. d There were 10 pastors and
out of them at least 6 listed their multiple jets, which ranged from $8 million to $800 Million.24 .
These "prosperity preachers" were all self-titled. They had a belief that those who are
prosperous Gods do not want them to apologize for being so. d
23 https://www.aircraftcompare.com/blog/american-pastors-with-private-jets/
24 Ibid.
19
There was a Preacher who also said that apologizing for this can be considered as "almost an
insult to our God.” .25
To establish this kind of lifestyle, these individuals go to the length which is beyond a normal
person to reach. They also say a lot of things whenever it is necessary to maintain it (2 Pet 2:3)
Both misinterpretation of the Gospel and abusing God's gifts are Apparent, d and it is sad to state
that it also so credits God's disciples. the emphasis that is laid on any kind of material value is
that is rent for those who are seeking that god is the one who believes that the promises made in
the name of economic security and the repercussions of the damage faced by those who believe
the same comes under d God's will. d The Bible can never justify the necessity of vanity. d It can
never compare the values of items of material concern with spiritual values, and ethics
mentioned in Christianity, especially when Christian ethics are compromised for the obtainment
of material items.
Defining Contentment
Contentment is a term that is ambiguous and cannot be defined so easily. d a few dictionaries say
it to be “ the quality or state of being content 26." d It has several synonyms such as delighted
enjoyment, happiness, being glad, filled with pleasure, etc. d But there are quite several sources
that have come forward to verify that to have contentment there is no need for the presence of
even any one of them. d A few people believe that it can be considered to be a state of mind
where the body is controlling the mind. Paul has written about it as, "not that I speak in respect
of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil 4:11 KJV)
after being shipwrecked, and in prison, this was brought before the councils and it got shunned
within his community of people.
25. Ibid.
26. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contentment
20
d d It was not a thing to be happy about, d but it was realized by Paul that each person is devised
with not only the presence of his will by God but that he is also provided with whatever he has
insufficient amounts for carrying out his purpose. Contentment can also come by understanding
that this grace of God is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9). Our existence depends upon God's will, and
even if to obtain sustenance one goes through a kind of struggle, there is no need for the same.
Contentment Areas
To fulfill the purpose of the following study there are a few Limited areas of contentment such
as physical and spiritual. d When the body is not able to provide full contentment to a human
being, he can be depressed or angry. d Being satisfied with one's body shape, or the hair color he
pauses is not the kind of physical contentment being talked about. d It also includes a wave of the
capabilities of a human being. d If an accident occurs and a healthy person is affected by it and
has to make use of the wheelchair then their level of contentment which they had with their
body will be turned leading to a devastating state. d A healthy person turning into a handicapped
person is not a good thing at all. d Several people are never able to recover from this kind of
tragedies. d And on the brighter side, there are such people, who ignore such kinds of accidents
or tragedies and follow the path of being productive and leading a prosperous life. d In the right
meaning, these are the people who understand the biblical sense of being content.
Similarly, there is a need for spiritual contentment to have a great and full life. Prayer and
meditation can always lead to resolving any kind of mental issue (Isa 26:3). There are several
reasons with which spiritual discontentment can occur, and Envy is the greatest of all. d If a
person feels or believes that someone is better than them or they are doing better than them,
then a feeling of discontentment is bound to happen.
21
While experimenting and seeking with such material things that are beyond the realm of God or
any kind of righteous living, there are a lot of people who are not able to satisfy themselves and
this can lead to discontentment as well. The Spirit of God can be felt in every human spirit and
this fact must be realized to feel content with the things God has provided to us (Col 3:2). God
is the creator and he knows well about his Creations too. d He also recognizes his spirit well. d If
there is no proper coordination available between the spirit of a person and the spirit of God,
then the spirit cannot be content. (Col 3:2). The creator knows His creation, and His Spirit recognizes
His Spirit. If a person’s spirit is not in one accord with the Spirit of God, there will be no contentment of
Spirit.
Promise of God
Only God can assure you of true contentment, be it the application of his word, his promise, d or
his belief. The Bible gives assurance that God has a provision for everyone's life (Phil 4:19) God
only wants humans to act as good stewards and utilize the resources he has given to us to
benefit humanity. (1 Pet 4:10; 1 Cor 4:2) God must be remembered in every phase of one's life
and his provision made for us (Deut 8:18)
Conclusion
The Bible is continuously talking about gain and material wealth. d Some scriptures speak about
any kind of abuse that is done to God's gift, being money in particular. d Some people neglect
spiritual values and lay their emphasis on material items. d As per the Bible, there is no balance
between the two. d God can never be pleased with material values, and they only have their
purpose for humanity not as personal storage Lockers for cherishing and self-pleased purpose. d
If someone is following the spirit of God then he will never have room for material values in his
life.
22
23
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