We see it everywhere, YOU need to be thinner, YOU need more money, YOU need the newest car and it goes on and on. The billboards grab your attention, television and radio commercials, newspapers and in store ads. It's all day and night, it's everywhere you turn. You're not content and we are going to tell you what to buy to be happy.
Television ads yell at you, the radio has a catchy jingle that you hum all day. Some are more subtle but they are always there.
We are told never to be satisfied. Doesn't everyone want the newest, biggest, brightest...? Most important, don't forget, “It's all about me”.
Is this the kind of person Christ wants us to be? Doesn't the Bible teach us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?” Colossians 3:12
It also teaches, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1Timothy 6:6-8
As Christians, we must be vigilant and keep reminding ourselves what it is we truly want. Is it the newest, the biggest, the brightest or is it a close relationship with God? Only He can satisfy our longings. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4: 12-13
Only God can show us how to be the kind of “Christian consumer” He wants us to be.
What a powerful last image here, Mary: Christian Consumer. What would THAT look like? Much different than the recent advertisement I saw with the boy (maybe about 9 years-old) who essentially is making fun of his parents for what they drive. He comes out with his little swagger and condescending tone. And the parents cave-in, buying the SUV! We then watch the boy in the back-seat drive off with his hubris in full force. Granted, the commercial evokes an emotion, but my emotion is annoyance! And my reaction is to NOT buy that manufacturer's automobile. That commercial, like so many others, was blatantly playing on our fears and insecurities. Will people like me? Will I look 'cool', or will my kids still want me around them?
ReplyDeleteI love the scriptures here. They say it as plainly as God can: we came to the world with nothing, but we can find contentment with kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness and patience. Not by our means, but by God's generosity and plan. That is an economy in which I would LOVE to participate. That is an economy that utilizes love and is the epitome of Christian Consumerism.