In the Renewed Man program, one of the keys we talk about that unlocks long term recovery from addiction is "Clarity about and deep connection to our PURPOSE." If we're not clear and committed to a larger purpose for our lives, then meaninglessness will eventually rear its ugly head, and life degenerates into an endless search for distractions and pleasures. Here's teaching from one of the week's lessons on purpose:

Part of our “purpose” is necessarily to provide for ourselves and our families. BUT … providing for ourselves and the mindless accumulation of possessions are two different things. 

This can be hard to keep straight. 

In our society, the accumulation of wealth is continually drummed into us as the be-all and end-all of life. Biblical teaching about wealth is nuanced, but it clearly warns against the tendency for this pursuit to eclipse other important things in our lives. 

First off, we must be clear that the Bible doesn't portray wealth or possessions or being rich as bad. Keep in mind that many of the heroes of faith were wealthy. Wealth is portrayed in the Bible as a blessing from God (see Proverbs 10:22). 

But also, biblical teaching is very clear that wealth can become an idol, and pull us away from God. In other words: Money itself is not bad, but the LOVE of money is. 

1 Timothy 6:10 says “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Listen to this devotional word from Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men …

In the sphere of material things, giving means being rich. Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much. --Erich Fromm

Material possessions have great significance in our world. Not only do we strive to own a special car, electronic gear, and far more clothes than we need, but we also think in terms of possessing a girlfriend, or our health, or happiness, or things that cannot be owned. Some of us have become addicted to buying and owning things. 

This gimme-gimme mentality affects us all and, rather than enriching us, it impoverishes us. Tangible things enrich us only when we use them and share them to improve our lives and the lives of others.

We don't need to be wealthy to share what we have with others. It is the sharing that nourishes us and builds bridges between us.

Wise people have known for thousands of years that a man's spirituality is deeply affected by his relationship to his possessions. When we respect what we own as a gift from God and share it with others, we grow richer spiritually.

“I will hold my possessions loosely and with respect so they can be used well and shared.”

NEXT ACTION:

Today's recovery action is to reflect on the role of wealth and the pursuit of money in your life. Is it taking over? Does your pursuit of money and success get in the way of relationships? In the way of your spiritual life?