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Question 8.
I have this problem of wanting material things and fancy stuff. What should I do?

First, understand there is nothing wrong with having material things and "fancy stuff."

God says in 1 Timothy 6:17 that He "richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." But the first part of that verse is a warning. It says, "Command those who are rich in the present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God."

You need to ask yourself why material things are so important to you.

• Maybe you feel empty, and you think happiness is just another purchase away.

• Maybe you do not feel very good about yourself. You think having the right clothes or the latest "toy" will make people like you.

• Maybe buying things is a way you comfort yourself. Or make up for the things you feel you are lacking in your life.

• Sometimes a teen will make unreasonable demands on their parents for material things. What they really want is their parents time, attention, and love. If these things are out of reach, they'll make demands of a material kind out of anger.

If any of the above are true, then your possessions own you--you don't own them. Once you are filled with Christ, you'll be free to let material things take their rightful place in your life.

1 TIMOTHY 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.