A man who had chosen a minimalist lifestyle watched with interest as his new neighbor unloaded a truckload of furniture, decorative items, electronic devices and numerous other possessions. When he went over to introduce himself, he said, “If you ever find yourself needing anything, come over and see me and I can tell you how to do without it.”

We are constantly bombarded with advertisements proclaiming that we simply can’t do without certain products. We must not give in to the temptation to fall head over heels into consumerism. While there is nothing wrong with acquiring things, we have to be careful that our possessions don’t own us!

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…”—Deuteronomy 8:18.