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Abundance vs. Materialism
This entry was posted on 10/7/2006 8:18 AM and is filed under uncategorized.
What is the difference between these two? There are several scriptural references which help us understand the difference, one being found in section 104 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
13 For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man aaccountable, as a bsteward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures.
14 I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and abuilt the earth, my very bhandiwork; and all things therein are mine.
15 And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine.
16 But it must needs be done in mine own away; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the bpoor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low.
17 For the aearth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be bagents unto themselves.
18 Therefore, if any man shall take of the aabundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the blaw of my gospel, unto the cpoor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in dhell, being in torment.
And who wants to go to hell? But too often we have "boastings in [our] own strength" (Helaman 4:12-13).
So what are the concepts or principles behind these two methods of dealing with material things, what words come to mind?
Abundance - increase, equality, fairness, stewardship, simplicity, give/help/assist/impart as you are able, mercy, generousity, compassion, His glory, pure intent, awareness
Materialism - covet, oppression, My glory, oblivious, usury, rationalize, self-determination, fine-twined linen, pride, hypocrite, praise of the world
It can be a fine line. It may not seem so from the lists above. Abundance can easily turn into materialism and materialism can become abundance, although usually not as easily.
Those of us that have, need to help others. And we should assist according to the abundance that we have been blessed with.
I end with a verse from the 18th chapter of the Book of Mosiah;
27 And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, aevery one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given.
Of course Mosiah 4:16-26 is a classic as well.
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, Carlota.