We live in an extremely materialistic day.  Advertising agencies have done a good job convincing us we can't be happy unless we have something new.  I confess that I struggle with it as well.  I love electronics.  When a new "gadget" comes out, I want it.  But, you get it and pretty soon, a new gadget comes out and.... well, you get the picture.  
         A couple of years ago I was reminded of the folly of materialism.
         I had been on diet number 528 for me.  Well, it wasn't that many but, it seems like I'm on a perpetual diet.  I had lost some weight and was so excited!  I saw a pair of slacks in my closet that I hadn't been able to wear in a couple of years.  I took the hanger off the rack, pulled the pants off and slipped them on and... they fit!  Man, I was happy!  I felt like Don Shula in those weight loss commercials.  Or, Tommy Lasorda who would say "If I can do it, you can do it!"
          I was feeling good about being able to wear my new slacks UNTIL, I noticed a small hole.  When I saw it, I thought "What is that?"  It was just a tiny hole.  But as I saw that hole I was reminded of what Jesus had said; "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on ear   th, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" (Matt. 6:19). 
          I had read that verse and studied it for years but, for the first time, it really came home.  I was holding a pair of pants that I was excited about wearing... until I noticed the hole.  I was reminded that materialism can not bring happiness. 
          Many of us struggle with this.  Each of us have some aspect of materialism that we struggle with.  But, it doesn't bring happiness.  Oh, it may be bring momentary happiness, but not lasting happiness. 
         Hebrews 13:5 says "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have...."
          I struggle with that verse. I admit it.  My guess is, many others do as well. 
          I was reminded of the folly of materialism when I saw the hole in my pants.  The writer of Ecclesiastes tried materialism but it didn't bring happiness.  We need to ask the Lord to  help us find happiness in the Lord as opposed to something materialistic. 
          Several years ago, I was considering making a major purchase (I think  it was a car.).  A Deacon in my church gave me a little rule of thumb he used in making major purchases.  He said "If I want something, I try to make myself wait one week.  After a week, if I still want it and have the money, then I buy."  In doing so, he avoided impulse purchases.
           It's very challenging to not get wrapped up in materialism in this materialistic day.  But, be reminded that things or "stuff" as I like to refer it, doesn't bring lasting happiness.  Only Jesus does.