From Overconsumption to Standing on Kingdom Business: How to Stop Self- Sabotaging Yourself with Stuff

Ever feel like you’re out here doing the most, but still feeling empty inside? Let’s talk about overconsumption and how it stops us from stepping fully into God's plans for our life.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Did you know God has over 7,000 promises for His children? Yeah, that’s a lot of good stuff! But here's the thing, just because He’s got plans doesn’t mean we can just kick back and wait for it all to fall into our laps. We’ve got to line up with those plans. And guess who doesn’t want that to happen? The enemy. He’s out here working overtime to distract us with everything from late night food cravings to Amazon shopping binges, tricking us into thinking consuming all of these worldly things will fulfill us and make us happy. That they are the key to our joy. But spoiler alert: they’re not.

What is Overconsumption?

Biblically, overconsumption is an overindulgence in earthly things that pulls us away from God’s kingdom and His will for our lives. It robs us of the abundant life God intends, causing self-sabotage, delayed blessings, and disconnection from Him.

Many of us think that just because we go to church on Sunday, listen to the pastor preach, or watch a Christian YouTube video (maybe even this one) that we’re good. We assume that simply believing in Jesus is enough to have true intimacy with God and receive His blessings. It’s not. This is why so many Christians are living miserable, unfulfilled lives—because they are hearers of the Word, but not doers (James 1:22). They believe Jesus is Lord, but they don’t make Jesus the Lord of their lives.

We can only be true Christians and disciples of Christ if we prioritize kingdom business over overconsumption of worldly culture.

The Hamster Wheel of Overconsumption

You see, when we put worldly things ahead of godly things, it’s like we’re stuck on a hamster wheel. We’re constantly chasing after happiness, comfort, joy, and peace—but from all the wrong places. We’re on a never-ending search for the next dopamine hit. Let me break it down for you:

Binge Eating: Take food, for example. When we use food as our go-to comfort during stress (hello, stress eating), sure, it feels good in the moment. We’re happy, relaxed, and maybe even a little bit in love with that pizza. But fast forward a few weeks, and suddenly we’re feeling depressed because, surprise! The weight’s creeping up and we’re not feeling too great about ourselves.

If instead of diving into that tub of ice cream, we turned to prayer or worship during stressful moments, the Holy Spirit—the real comforter—would be there to give you peace, minus the extra pounds.

Shopping/Overconsumption: Then there’s the whole shopping addiction. Let’s be real, When those Amazon packages keep showing up at your door (even though you have no space left in your closet), or when you order two of the same thing because “it’s just on sale and I might need it,” you’re not just spending money—you’re getting that little dopamine rush. But eventually, you’re staring down a credit card bill you can’t pay, no savings, and no emergency fund.

Instead, if you took that money and used it to tithe or help someone in need, not only would you be making a difference, but God promises to bless you back—tenfold. Trust me, that kind of blessing feels way better than a new pair of shoes.

Entertainment: When we’re glued to Netflix or YouTube for hours, we’re overconsuming entertainment while ignoring the important stuff, like spending time with our kids, finishing that creative project we started months ago, or volunteering to serve others. Sure, it feels like “me time” in the moment, but when we look back, we realize your relationship with our family could be better, and that project we were so excited about? Still unfinished. It’s not just about finding joy in distractions, it’s about investing in the things that bring true, lasting happiness.

Information: Let’s not forget the other types of overconsumption we sometimes ignore. Like, how about all the podcasts, sermons, and self-help content we’re constantly bingeing? We’re filling our brains with all this “inspiration” but then doing nothing with it. We get so much information but don’t apply it, it's like buying a gym membership and never actually working out. We’re just accumulating knowledge without the sweat!

Sleep: And then there’s the overconsumption of sleep. Yes, I said sleep. You know that phrase “sleeping your life away”? Well, it’s a real thing! Oversleeping isn’t just about getting your eight hours—it’s about hitting snooze every 15 minutes, only to wake up and realize half the day is gone, and you’ve accomplished nothing.

I get it, sleep is important, but when you’re spending so much time snoozing that you’re missing out on your goals and purpose, it’s like wasting precious time that you can never get back. You’ll blink and realize you’ve spent more time under the covers than chasing your dreams.

So yeah, chasing the next dopamine high might feel good temporarily, but it’s a hamster wheel that never stops spinning. The real freedom comes when we choose God’s way—where joy, peace, and fulfillment aren’t just temporary fixes but lasting blessings.

How to Shift from Overconsumption to Standing on Kingdom Business

Let’s be clear, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the good things in life. God wants us to enjoy the blessings He has given us! Eating delicious food, buying nice things, and watching our favorite shows aren’t sinful in themselves. The problem arises when we allow these things to consume us rather than us controlling them. When we prioritize worldly consumption over seeking God first, we begin to drift away from His purpose for our lives.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:33,

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all of his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

The keyword here is FIRST. God isn’t saying you can’t have “things”, He is saying that if you prioritize Him above everything else, He will take care of the rest. The issue with overconsumption is that it often leads us into idolatry, placing our desires, entertainment, and material possessions above God.

So, how do we make sure we are putting God first? By prioritizing the five major things of the kingdom: Prayer, Worship, Reading the Word of God, Serving, and Creating.

Out of the five things listed below, prayer, worship, and reading the God's word is something we should be doing daily.

Prayer

If you are having conversations with people every day but not having a conversation with God through prayer, that is a problem. Prayer is basically our way of texting God. It’s where we talk to Him about everything—our joys, our struggles, our “why did that just happen?” moments. Just like any good relationship, communication is important. When we pray daily, we stay connected to Him, get His perspective, and find comfort. Plus, it’s a great way to dump all the emotional baggage we’ve been carrying around. The more we pray, the more we realize He’s always there, ready to listen.

Praise & Worship

If the first thing you do when you get up in the morning or when you get in your car is turn on worldly music instead of worshiping and praising God, that is a problem. The bible says when we praise God we confuse the enemy! Whew chile… that means that praise is one of your main weapons in spiritual warfare to get the devil off your back!

Worship is like the spiritual equivalent of a “shout-out” to God. It’s not just about singing on Sundays or listening to your favorite worship playlist. Worship is about acknowledging that God is awesome every day, no matter what’s going on. Thanking him by saying “I see you God! Thank you for pulling me out of my hot mess and saving me from myself and this crazy world.” It’s about reminding ourselves who’s in charge, and spoiler alert: it’s not us.

Reading the Word

If you are watching YouTube or Netflix before reading your Bible, that is a problem. The Bible isn’t just a dusty old book on a shelf; it’s like a GPS for life. Reading it daily helps us know where we’re going, and more importantly, how to get there without making unnecessary detours. It’s God’s way of giving us some insider tips, wisdom, and encouragement. Think of it like your favorite self-help book, but with the ultimate author who knows everything. When we don’t read it, it’s like trying to navigate life with a broken map—frustrating and confusing.

So, by making prayer, worship, and reading the Word part of our daily routine, we’re not just going through the motions—we’re building a stronger relationship with God and giving ourselves the tools to live a fuller, more peaceful life. Plus, it makes those "what did I do today?" moments a lot easier to handle.

Now let’s move on to the next two kingdom principles we should definitely be incorporating into our lives but are most likely too overconsumed to do so, serving and creating.

Serving Other vs Self

In today’s world, it’s super easy to get caught up in the "me first" mentality. We live in a society that’s all about "What can I get out of this?" or "How can I make my life as comfy as possible?" But as believers, we’re called to flip that script. Jesus, the King of Kings, didn’t come to sit back and relax, but to serve others (Matthew 20:28). If Jesus, the Son of God, can humble Himself to serve, maybe we should take notes!

Serving is a total game-changer when it comes to switching from a mindset of "What can I have?" to "What can I give?" When we serve, we tap into God's purpose for us, find deeper fulfillment, and show the love of Christ to the world. But let’s be honest, it’s easy to get distracted by overconsumption—whether it’s binge-watching shows, shopping till we drop, or chasing personal ambitions. All that stuff can make us forget that we’re meant to give, not just take.

So, what does serving really look like? It’s more than just showing up once in a while or doing something nice to tick a box. Serving is a lifestyle, a way of thinking that’s focused on others, not just on what we can gain. It’s about giving our time, energy, and resources to help spread God's love and advance His kingdom. Here are five practical ways to serve that could totally change your life (and someone else’s too):

Serving Your Family

Before we think about helping anyone else, we’ve got to show up for the people closest to us. Are you serving your family by showing love and support every day? Serving your family means more than just doing chores (although that’s nice too)—it’s about being present, praying for them, and leading by example. It’s turning off the phone, tuning into the people who matter most, and showing them that they’re worth your time and energy.

Serving Your Community

Your neighborhood or local community is filled with opportunities to make a difference. Whether it’s helping out at a shelter, mentoring a kid, or just picking up trash on your street, small acts of kindness can go a long way. When we serve our community, we stop focusing on our own issues and start focusing on being part of the solution. Remember, we’re called to be God’s hands and feet (1 Peter 4:10), so let’s step up and serve where we can!

Serving in Your Church

Your church is more than just a Sunday pit stop—it’s a family, and like any family, it thrives when everyone pitches in. Are you actively serving in your church, or are you just showing up for the freebies (like coffee and donuts)? Churches need help in tons of areas: kids' ministry, hospitality, worship teams, outreach programs, you name it. By serving in your church, you’re helping create a space where others can grow in their faith and experience God's love.

Serving by Giving

Serving isn’t always about physical labor—sometimes it’s about opening your wallet (or your pantry). Maybe you don’t have time to volunteer every week, but you can give financially or donate resources. Whether it’s supporting missions, providing food, or giving to someone in need, your generosity counts. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord…” So, when you give cheerfully, God blesses you in return (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Serving Through Encouragement and Discipleship

One of the most underrated ways to serve is through encouragement. Are you lifting up the people around you? Are you mentoring others or speaking life into someone’s situation? Your words and actions can inspire change, build someone’s faith, and even bring healing. Serving isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you make others feel.

Instead of getting caught up in the cycle of "more for me," let’s shift our focus to "how can I serve others?" True fulfillment doesn’t come from accumulating more stuff—it comes from giving out what God has already poured into us. When we serve, we’re being vessels for God’s love, and in return, we find the joy, peace, and purpose that overconsumption could never provide.

Creating vs Consuming

A lot of people don’t think that creating is a big deal in God’s kingdom, but let’s think about it for a sec—God, the ultimate Creator, made us in His image (Genesis 1:27). That means creativity is literally part of our spiritual DNA. God created us to create. You’ve got creativity running through your veins!

Here’s the kicker: Satan can’t create anything. He doesn’t have that superpower. Instead, he takes what God has already made and messes with it—twisting people, ideas, and resources to distract and deceive us. One of his biggest lies is making you think you're not creative, that your ideas don’t matter, or that you don’t have anything worthwhile to contribute. But that’s total nonsense. You were designed to create!

The Bible tells us that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. One of the ways he steals your creativity is by keeping you so buried in work that you’re too drained to create. Or he fills your mind with worry and stress, blocking your creative flow. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “I’m not creative” and I just want to shout, YES, YOU ARE!

If you’re feeling stuck, pray for God to free you from whatever’s holding you back. The enemy knows that when you step into your God-given creativity, you’ll make an impact that he can’t control. Creativity is your superpower!

• Creating businesses or products can bring you income and financial stability. Picture yourself stepping into entrepreneurship with God’s guidance, letting Him bless the work of your hands.

  
  

• Creating a home can bring you peace. Whether you’re decorating a space, whipping up a meal, or just making your home feel warm and inviting, the act of creating transforms a house into a sanctuary.

  
  

• Creating children can bring you joy. Parenthood is one of the most divine forms of creation. Raising the next generation to know Christ is one of the highest callings you can have.

  
  

• Creating opportunities helps you serve your community. Whether it's starting a mentorship program, launching a ministry, or creating chances for others to grow, your creativity can bless those around you in ways you never imagined.

  
  

• Creating space for others can strengthen relationships. Making room in your life for people, through hospitality, friendship, or just being there, helps build the body of Christ.

  
  

If we focus more on creating than on consuming what others have made, life will change in some seriously awesome ways. You’ll find more joy, purpose, and fulfillment when you step into your role as a creator, not just a consumer. The world needs what you have to offer. Let your creativity flow!

Let’s Talk About Self-Control

Alright, let’s be real, self-control is one of those things that sounds good in theory but can be a real struggle in practice. The Bible tells us it’s one of the fruits of the Spirit, but some of us are out here feeling like our fruit is still in the seed stage. If you find yourself going overboard... whether it’s with food, shopping, binge-watching, scrolling endlessly on social media, or trying (and failing) to quit a bad habit just know you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: you are a child of God, and the Holy Spirit is right there with you. That means self-control isn’t something you have to figure out on your own, God is ready to step in and help. All you have to do is ask. Remember, Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Yes, even saying no to that late-night snack or resisting the urge to buy yet another thing you don’t need from Amazon.

A Prayer for Self-Control & Breaking Free from Overconsumption

Now, I want to close this with a prayer for all of us, asking God to help us grow in self-control in every area of our lives. Whether that’s in our eating habits, spending, managing our time, or breaking free from anything that’s keeping us from living fully for Him. But here’s the important part: You have to do your part too. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). That means while we trust God for help, we also have to actively choose to take steps toward self-control. It’s about setting boundaries, making decisions that align with God’s will, and putting in the work to grow in this area.

So, as you pray and trust God, keep in mind that He’s not just going to do everything for you. He’s giving you the strength, but you have to choose to make the right decisions. Make His kingdom your priority, and take one step at a time. With Him in your corner, there’s nothing you can’t do. Self-control may seem hard at times, but with God’s help, it can be the key to living the fulfilling, purpose-driven life He has for you. You’ve got this!

Heavenly Father,

I come before You, acknowledging that I have struggled with overconsumption. I have sought joy, peace, and fulfillment in things of this world rather than in You. Today, I surrender these areas to You, asking for Your help in developing the fruit of self-control.

Your Word says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Lord, give me a sound mind to discern when I am overindulging in things that distract me from Your kingdom.

Help me to seek You first, as Matthew 6:33 instructs. Strengthen me, Lord, to make better choices daily. I break free from the cycle of overconsumption and step into a life filled with purpose, peace, and productivity for Your kingdom.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.