Thou Shalt Live Comfortably—And Other Things God Never Promised
A few years ago, I embarked in pursuit of a life-long dream to live and experience the cultures of various Central American countries for an entire year. I went with no set agenda and few preset plans, leaving my course open for God to shape as He would. True to His ways, God opened up several opportunities for me to serve. In the process, I befriended several local believers, natives of the lands in which I was the outsider. Without exception, they were gracious and passionate people who treated me with a selfless kindness and deep respect that humbled me. I treasured the months I shared with them, and when the time was over, I was sad to say goodbye.
Upon my return to the United States, I found that everything around me had changed. Only really, it hadn’t. The change wasn’t in my surroundings but in my own newly opened eyes. Everywhere I looked, I was being told to satisfy my “needs” by buying. The onslaught of commercials paraded before me—You need this. You deserve this. This will make you happy.—openly challenging the peaceful well of contentment that had deepened in my soul during my months away. Their messages screamed from the billboards, echoed through the cavernous malls, and spilled off the clothing people wore; they blasted through the radio, the television, and in movie theaters. The stench of consumerism suddenly seemed to saturate the air, soaking everything around me in its unpleasant odor. Whatever product, service, or experience was being touted, the underlying messages were always the same: You have a right to this. You deserve to have nice things. You should be comfortable. Your life should be free of pain. You should be happy—and always, always entertained.
For most of my life as a Christian, I have quietly believed the tenets of consumerism. “What’s wrong with having nice things?” I would ask myself. “Doesn’t God want to bless me? I work hard for what I get. I deserve to reap the benefits, don’t I? Nothing wrong with that.” But consumerism is a deceptive weed. Its hidden roots dig far deeper into most of us than the occasional act of harmless self-indulgence. They burrow right to the core of our beliefs as followers of Christ. Once there, they lie to us about what a Christian should expect out of life—and what he shouldn’t.
As believers who are called to walk in God’s truth, it’s crucial to recognize the false messages of consumerism. While there are certainly more, here are three lies that strike most prominently at the root of our faith, and perhaps do the greatest damage to our freedom in Christ—and our witness to the world. (I will post the 1st tomorrow.)
1 comment:
I agree with this article. As Americans, we strive to get more than what we have. If we don't have the funds to provide it, then we work, borrow, steal, and lie to get them. Our culture is wrapped around the idea of wanting more. Our government, leaders, friends, family, church and community have all been raised in this environment. I pray that each of us ask the Lord for guidance and discernment before we do go out and make purchases.
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