Are you a material girl or guy?

Did you know material things are supposed to make our lives easier and more comfortable? Yet, over the years material things tend to take control of us, rather than our controlling them. The things that were meant to be a blessing, sometimes turn into a curse. 20 or 30 years ago the average work week was 48 hours, and the husband was the primary wage earner. Today, more than 70 percent of American families need two incomes to pay for a materialist lifestyle.

This is especially alarming for Christians, because God warns us that we can not serve two masters. We can not serve both God and wealth. That doesn't mean God doesn't want us to own things. He just doesn't want us to get so caught up in them that we forget our primary purpose, which is to serve Him. As Christians, there are 5 things that we need to watch out for when it comes to material wealth.

1. Feeling that a lifestyle of indulgence is normal - This means when we can't afford to buy that new car, we go into debt for it because that's what normal people do. God hasn't called us to be like everyone else.

2. Focusing on worldly success - Often times we look at how much money a person makes to determine how successful they are. When we start focusing on material success instead of spiritual maturity we are on a slippery slope.

3. Diminishing God's direction - It's hard to be a missionary in Mexico, if you're in debt up to your eyeballs in Ohio. Nothing prohibits Christians from obeying God more than the tug of material comforts.

4. Gaining a superior attitude - If God has given you material wealth be careful not to look down on others. God wants us to be humble and help those around us.

5. Being indifferent to those in need - Because of our culture it's easy to believe that everyone has material wealth. We become blinded to what's really going on around us. God commands us to give to the poor, supply shelter and food to the homeless, and provide for the needy. Yet, this is a primary area of lack in today's Christians.

God wants us to have a balance when it comes to material possessions. He doesn't want us to be controlled and used by them, and all too often this is what happens. In order to prevent it, we must establish that we serve Christ first and foremost and everything else comes after that.