James 4:3 says, "Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss,that ye may consume it upon your lusts."
It is like asking God to bless us with a new car and a new house instead of spiritual growth in Jesus Christ! You may get the new house and new car, but you may not get spiritual growth in the Lord Jesus Christ which is what you need!
I was just watching a movie from 1985 last night called "The Last Dragon". Someone made a quote in the movie saying
"Those who are driven by desire can only see things that can be held in their hands". I like when people hit you with those lines but don't quote who said it. I can say the same things but confirm that our Lord Jesus teaches it to us. I was in a borders bookstore and a lady I was with said she likes to check out the self-help books. I gave her a Bible. She said
"No I'm talking about a book for mental growth". I said
"Yes I heard you and here is the best book for what your looking for". I enjoy being with people who don't just listen to Jesus' ministry to feel good, but who listen, study, learn and want to spiritually grow in it. Once you have spiritual growth in Jesus, all that other stuff will follow.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
Amen!