Our self worth is tied up in how much we earn and how much we have. We should not be surprised when a ball player, earning millions of dollars wants more because a competitor receives more. We accumulate possessions, wealth and riches. We store it in garages, storage centers, bank accounts and stock portfolios. The advertising plays upon our anxiety, and we accumulate with the hope of obtaining security.
Money is power in our culture.
We hear that the presidential election is decided by the realities of fundraising. We buy leisure, relaxation, and even spiritual experiences. Behind this is the tacit belief that money and riches, possessions and prosperity will bring fulfillment and happiness. The message of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus are conflict with our culture. A temptation might be to insulate ourselves from the world, and live in communal societies.