As we watched (indulged on) American Idol, I was completely taken by surprise during a commercial break. All of a sudden, this catchy jingle came on for a certain credit card company. The lyrics: "I want it all; I want it now. I want it all; I want it now." This chorus, accompanied by all sorts of tantalizing pictures, was repeated over and over on the screen.

Wow! I want it all and I want it now. What a mantra. Shall we repeat it one more time? I want it all and I want it now.

Those few words, unfortunately, pretty much sum up the worldview of far too many people, both here and abroad. Although, I believe we Americans are singing this tune louder and more enthusiastically than most.

Borrow, borrow, and borrow. You must have that ITEM right now. Waiting is simply not an option. Get it quick if you want it. Why wait? Indulge yourself. Pamper yourself. Who cares about our hungry, hurting neighbors? Using credit is the American way, right?

Ouch! Does this message hit a nerve? For me, unfortunately, it does.

For years, I was singing that same sappy and highly sinful song. Charging hundreds of dollars for make up made sense ... sort of. I would tell myself things like: "I work hard for my money." "I deserve this." "My beliefs all fell under the umbrella of 'self-care'".  On and on I lied to myself. My impulse control was pretty much non-exisitant.

Certainly, I bear the responsiblity for my choices. However, the messages that are pounded into our minds, daily, most definitely take their toll. We can easily justify that this is just the way of the world. Actually, no justifying is really needed. For this misguided way of thinking and living is the "way of the world." Which, of course, means it is not the Way of God.

God's Word talks about His way being the narrow road that not many travel. The "I want it all: I want it now" road is wide. Many, many people are blindly racing down this particular path with no care to what the future holds. In the end, I was carting around 20-plus credit cards in my wallet and had maxed each and every one to its limit. Everyone I knew was in the same predicament. Together, we'd laugh and make excuses for our self-centered and greedy behavior.

Maybe you call it the American Dream. I've learned to call it what it is: GREED.

We want more and more. We want what the Jones, Smiths, and everyone else has. Instead of seeking God's Way we are rushing in droves to department stores to fill our hungry hearts. Like food (gluttony) this behavior is often overlooked as sin, even in our churches. Living in excess is easily justified as "being blessed." However, if we're in excessive debt, we are most likely not experiencing a financial blessing.

What are we to do? For one, I used this TV advertisement to talk to my children about greed and the results of seeking stuff rather than our Heavenly Father. I've had to learn the hard way that stuff doesn't make me feel better over the long term. Yes, it provides a quick pick-me-up, but that sensation is quickly replaced by guilt. There are so many other things that we can do with our money to benefit God's Kingdom and His people.

Something amazing happens when we give. It truly is better to give than receive. For when we give to others, we can experience God's pleasure and blessings in new and often profound ways. I'd like to challenge you (and me) that when tempted to sing the I want it all and I want it now song to instead lift our voices to praise God. Ask God what you can give rather than asking Him for a way to bail you out from all that you've "gotten."

Let us remember that the real riches are not found on Ebay, but are available in a loving, giving relationship with Jesus Christ and others.

Let us be a blessing today, tomorrow, and always. After all, the best gifts of all are those that we are storing up in Heaven. These rewards cannot be stolen. They cannot be ruined or broken. They are lasting ... for eternity.