Consider Jesus' statement: "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). Or as the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 121-180) observed: "Very little is needed to make a happy life."

Living across from Hawai'i's largest shopping mall, I am amazed at the crowds swinging bags bulging with purchases.

It's easy to believe that shopping takes little time, but the hours mount with the myriad steps involved. First are the fundamental questions: what to buy, who carries it, and what is the price? The many choices available today make comparison-shopping complex. Big-ticket items require additional research. After the object is purchased, it needs to be cared for and maintained, and maybe even secured.

It's hard to break free from materialism. The Web, TV and other media pump out a perpetual stream of ads. Even when simply trying to learn new information (e.g., what are the latest computer features?), I find myself subtly steered toward purchasing certain products. The underlying message is typically "Buy now!" "Buy more!" "New is better!"

To combat this, it helps to limit ad exposure, unsubscribe from distribution lists and go to stores only when necessary. To play on a familiar saying: If monkey don't see, monkey won't buy. If I do decide to purchase an item, I ask myself, "Is this truly a need or a merely a want?"

Jesus has an excellent point. Our relationships with God and other people should occupy our time and focus rather than buying and taking care of things. He admonishes in Matthew 6:19, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal," meaning that material goods will not last. When we are not tied to our belongings, we experience a freedom that is one step closer to heaven.

Rather than accumulating for ourselves, we should be willing to "sell (our) possessions and give to the poor" (Luke: 12:33). It sounds radical, but how about taking a small step? Many of us probably have a lot of things lying around that could be put to better use by someone else. God has said he "will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). As you meet others' needs, God will meet yours.

Jesus exhorted, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Shall we give it a try?

Monica Quock Chan is a freelance writer who attends First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu.