Culture of excess

We live in a culture of excess. Excess means An extreme or excessive amount or degree. If we live in a culture of excess how do we respond?

We live a life that is about having more, more electronics, bigger homes, nice car, brand name clothes, and more. If we don't have these things it effects us mentality and emotionally. Think of how many people don't have anything. How many people have one outfit to wear when we have many. Not having the newest cars, clothes or electrics can even make us feel less significant. Living in an excessive culture causes fatigue and studies have even shown it causes decline of our health and emotional well-being. Our culture makes obsessiveness seem normal because we have become immune to it. The expectation of having everything has caused a change of the attitude in people. We search for the newest of coolest things to bring success and emotional or physical please.

How much of your time is spent on the computer, playing sports, or watching TV? What do you spend the most time doing? What are the prioritizes in your life? Do you think that what you spend the most time doing has become a priority in your life? A priority that is more important than spending time with God and building a relationship with him?
We become so consumed with the things around us that we forget to "have time" for God, when he should be the first and most important focus in our lives.

Not only is our culture excessive but the bible even shows a culture that was. In the book of Esther, King Xerxes asks his wife to come show off her beauty. The king viewed her as an object or a possession. We know this because the king also had many concubines. When King Xerxes kicked his wife out he searched for a new Queen by bring in beautiful women. These women were put through a year of pampering and beauty treatments. That is excessive.

When is enough? When are we going to lay everything down and stop worshiping idols and the things around us? When are we going to start relying on God for weath, acceptance, happiness, and peace?

Deuteronomy 6:11-12 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD.