Much of our joy in possessing things comes from feeling superior or greater than others. As we inventory our accumulate possessions, we condescendingly compare ourselves to family, friends and foes, inwardly gloating over our prosperity and prestige. Our attitude oozes disdain and conceit.
Our houses, our cars, our clothes become haughty symbols of status and prestige. Soon, they define what we do and who we are. We even take pride in being humble in our extravagance.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. [Philippians 2:3-4].