Because we live in a material world, it is so easy to be overcome by materialism. It is “things” which make our lives easier, but “things” can so easily become our master. The Bible is filled with admonitions about this danger.
The wisest man who ever lived was Solomon. He was also one of the wealthiest of his day and understood so much about the dangers of desiring riches. He also saw the dangers of poverty and the dangers of prosperity. He said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches-feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God” (Prov. 30:8-9).
Perhaps this is the secret in dealing with materialism. No one longs for poverty because it can lead to sin. On the other hand, having great riches can make us to think we have no need of God. It’s a great prayer—give me neither poverty nor riches.