AIMING HIGHER OR JUST PLAIN GREED AND DISCONTENT?

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From what I have read about, and heard, I understand that our ancestors didn't ask much of life. Their outlook on life was simple. As long as their crops prospered, meaning plenty food for the family, and the couple produced many children and there was a roof(usually a hut) on their head, and they were healthy, they were fine. Any education the children needed about their society was given to them by their parents and other older relatives.

Yes, there may have been Kings who fought wars, for more and more lands, to extend their kingdoms. But the fact still remains that the common man's outlook on life was simple.

I think the above applies to other nations of the world, apart from Nigeria. I may be wrong though.

It's a different ball game today.

With the advent of technology, formal education, life has become more complex and our appetites have increased.

There is so much we want.

There are motivational books and speakers everywhere, telling us to aim for the best! Shun mediocrity! Don't settle for less!

Our Pastor are encouraging us to aspire to move to the 'next level'.

'You think you have so much because you have 2 Jeeps and a 3 bedroom flat you built? You have not seen anything yet! Don't be satisfied with where you are! Don't limit God! He can give you much more than that!'

'You think you have so many nice clothes? Give them out! The good in your hand is the enemy of your best. Give them out and see whether God will not give you more.'

'Thank him for that good job you have now:for thanksgiving is an application for more,and he will promote you'.

So it's all about 'more', and 'stepping up' for us now. Even the praising God and giving to people and to the church is primarily a means to get more.

I can understand the yearning to know God more (We were made for this purpose), the yearning to be of more service to people, and the yearning for knowledge generally.

But this yearning for more and more blessings, higher levels (which usually means more money, more houses, more cars) gives me pause.

Paul writes in 1 timothy 6:5-7 about people who have missed the truth, thinking that godliness is a means to get gain, and that godliness with contentment is great gain. He also said that if we have food and clothing, we should be content.

So I am wondering why this striving for more, no matter what we already have.

Do we want more to serve a purpose or just for the sake of having more?

Is all this just about progress, 'having a larger vision', or a manifestation of discontent or pure greed?

Somebody please tell me.

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