Monday 1 December 2008

Consumerism & Jesus

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"Consumerism was the triumphant winner of the ideological wars of the 20th century, beating out both religion and politics as the path millions of Americans follow to find purpose, meaning, order and transcendent exaltation in their lives."
(April Witt in Washington Post's article Acquiring Minds December 14, 2003)


I don't think we can argue too much with that statement, even now 5 years later. But Jesus speaks directly to us on this very matter with words that ought to help radically change our view on consumerism as Christians:

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”



I think this is especially important for us to sit up & give our attention to at this time when we claim to celebrate His coming to earth. Unfortunately a huge part of our celebration is to be found in consumerism & in placing our hopes in stuff.

This attitude toward possessions is definitely to be found in my own life, but Jesus calls me to something different, they call us to change our mindset & join Paul who said:

"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."

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About Boaly
Gary has been involved in printing the Scriptures for 20 years, enjoys photography and rambling online

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amen

Boaly said...

I was chatting with a friend in work who said something brilliant:

"Some Christians are called to be faithful in societys & cultures that bring sufferings & persecution to the people of Christ.

Some (us) are called to be faithful in societys & cultures that bring ease, comfort, entertainment & abundance to the people of Christ.

We are all called to faithfulness regardless to the distractions or dangers!"