I struggle greatly with materialism. This is a huge problem in America today (as well as in Christianity). I believe that my current job pushes me closer toward materialism every day.
Here's my thinking:
I work in piano and organ sales. In this line of work you must always be asking people to buy new stuff. Many of my students trade in their current instrument for a new one. This is a big part of the job. Often the students will purchase 4, 5, or 6 organs in their lifetime (I know...it sounds crazy). In order to produce sales the students must understand the instrument they currently own and see the benefits of owning a more expensive model.
So basically, I am teaching people to be discontent with what they already have. "The more buttons the better!" "You've been saving up your money for retirement. Now it's time to do something for yourself! You deserve it". These are the types of statements that I'm suppose to use while trying to sell more instruments.
As you can imagine, preaching discontentment will lead to discontentment. It is causing me to desire more possessions rather than being content with what God has given me. This is one of the many reasons why I am looking forward to leaving sales and entering the teaching profession. Here's the good part: without this sales job I might never have grasped the controlling power of possessions. May Jesus Christ be praised!
