Photo by cottonbro
There is no problem with desiring and having material things. It is a part of human nature to want something. But if it reaches a point where it is obsessive, where do we stop?
Materialism negatively affects our well-being. It is a destructive obsession to have it all and want more beyond what the person can handle. Without self-awareness, materialism may ruin anyone’s life, especially falling into further debt. The more materialistic we get, the more we fall into a seemingly endless pit of despair.
Other downsides of being materialistic include feeling negative emotions, physical and mental deterioration, anxiety, and depression. The clamor for more will almost always be at the expense of one’s welfare, and it can get neglected. People like that have a distorted view of what satisfaction is, yet at the same time, feel something completely lacking.
When Desire Breeds Insecurity
Again, having desires is not entirely a bad thing. It’s not the enemy of a balanced and happy life, nor an obstacle we must eliminate. Passion makes us motivated and vigorous to live through every day. It often leads us to greater awareness to strive and make an effort. Desire itself is not evil. It is the lack of self-control and the disregard for boundaries that makes desires evil. When an inflated ego drives it, evil desires can be unstoppable and destructive.
It is suggested that people tend to absorb messages around them that convey particular pursuits paired with false significance. Rejection can also be a factor as to why people feel threatened, insecure, or inferior, resulting in economic woes at the idea of dying without getting anything satisfactory.
Consumerism From Media Exposure
We can’t blame materialism entirely on our feelings. Digital media and corporations are hands in hand in feeding the public with enormous made-up desires. By enticing them with what consumers think they want, they will use their purchasing power to get the products before anyone else. The dominance of advertising in the present economy also subsequently increases the youth’s materialistic tendencies.
Social media is also at fault for people becoming more materialistic since the algorithm favors product ads more than actual online interaction, as initially intended. As the use of social media increases, companies can profit off of anyone’s desires by simply dangling them onscreen. Social media is a cesspool of many things, breeding narcissism and egocentrism. Let’s admit that we tend to have the urge to show everyone, friends, enemies, and strangers who aren’t as fortunate as us, that we can live lavishly and throw everything we have to spend without bounds.
The False Pursuit Of Happiness
The feeling of joy after achieving a huge milestone or buying an expensive item typically lasts quite a long. Not until the same level of desire resurfaces, which results in imminent discontent and hollowness. It is a cruel, recurring cycle. Superficial happiness generated by wealth and ego can be fragile and subject anyone to constant comparison. Receiving and spending after getting what we want sets a dangerous example that causes us to lack empathy and become more condescending.
What Happens To Unhinged Materialism?
As society progresses, so does the disease of materialism that consumes anyone willing to bite into it. Corporations promote that uncontrollable desire more than ever, inciting envy and greed. And they’re making access more accessible by taking advantage of the internet’s convenience. As they say, “anything and everything, all of the time.” We can get lost in the sea of foolishness after diving into tangible things that can be taken away from us anytime without warning.
We unknowingly become dehumanized and possessed by the demons of earthly possessions, refusing to let go of their sharp grasp. And if we find it hard to let go, know there’s always a way. Mosley’s book about God and His righteousness, entitled “Living Life With Blinders On,” enlightens us to reset our life back on track according to God’s will for us. Now that is something that’s out of our control but is absolutely for our good. We can’t continue down a dark road and blindly give in to what the world tells us to do. Because in the end, we’re all going to die. We won’t bring our latest designer brands with us after death, nor will the money we earn and other expensive possessions be viciously clamored by the ones we left behind. Naked, we came from our mothers’ wombs, and naked, we will depart. So be careful if you catch yourself in the web of lies, deceit, and greed. Don’t be afraid to ask God to deliver you from the hands of materialism.
