When Possessions Replace God: A Wake-Up Call for Catholics

The First Commandment tells us that we should not “have strange gods before me.” In this secular society, how many people actually keep the First Commandment and honor God above all else?

The Subtle Dangers of Modern Idolatry

In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with the idea that the only way to be happy is by purchasing the next greatest thing being advertised—we need a new car, new clothes, or the latest electronic gadget.

Some of the most popular television shows are reality competitions that allow us to imagine ourselves in the place of the contestants as they vie for big money and extravagant trips. If we could only own this or that, have more money, or become more successful, then we could finally be happy.

When we fall into the trap of our consumer-driven culture, we begin to place our desires and hopes for happiness in worldly objects instead of in God. These things become our “strange gods,” taking precedence over our relationship with Him.

What the Gospel Says About Wealth and Faith

The Rich Young Man and the Test of the Heart

Matthew 19:16–30, Mark 10:17–31, and Luke 18:18–30 all contain the story of the rich young man, where Jesus explains that our attitude toward wealth and possessions can conflict with where our true focus should be. This young man had faithfully observed the Commandments and asked Jesus what more he could do to gain eternal life. Like many of us, he yearned for life in its fullest. He believed he might be able to use his wealth to secure eternal happiness. Jesus understood his attachment to his possessions and told him to sell everything he had, give the money to the poor, and then follow Him. By doing so, the young man’s treasure—and his heart—would no longer be on earth but with God. However, when he heard this, he turned away in sorrow because he was very wealthy.

When Possessions Get in the Way of Salvation

Many of us might respond in the same way. We have many possessions, and they are often of great importance to us. Like the rich young man, if Jesus were to enter our lives today and tell us to sell all we own and give the proceeds to the poor, we might also hesitate—or even turn away.

Jesus went on to tell His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God.” The disciples were amazed, so Jesus clarified further: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

It's Not About Wealth

The issue is not wealth itself—many rich people in the Bible are clearly blessed by God. The problem lies in our attitude toward worldly things. Society tells us that only material possessions can make us important or truly happy. But when we accept that message, we forsake God in favor of what we own.

Wealth and possessions will never make us happy for long. A few days or weeks after acquiring that much-desired item, it becomes just another thing we own, and we begin to long for something else.

Our focus should be on Jesus. We must recognize that everything we have comes from God. Nothing is ours by our own effort alone; all is a blessing we have received. Only in Him will we find lasting happiness and true fulfillment.

Take the Next Step: Strengthen Your Faith and Finances

If you want to learn more about what God says about how we should handle money and possessions, consider taking our six-week study, Faith and Money Matters.