I don’t know if you read about it or saw it on the news but there were several deaths in the shopping craze that ensued the day after Thanksgiving. Three people died in this country because of greed. Because stuff became more important than life. Honestly I think most of us were horrified and shocked at the reports of people being trampled or shot over televisions and toys. However, the fundamental truth here is that we have been absolutely duped. Marketing strategies have worked on us so well, that people die. The goal of any marketer is to create a need in the mind and heart of the potential consumer for a product that they didn’t know they needed until you told them. Then, once the consumer realizes they have that need, they simply cannot go on in life without that “need” being fulfilled. “Never mind all the years you have lived so far without that product, you cannot go another year without it” is the message that comes across the web, over the radio, in print and on tv. So we the consumer, become consumed by greed. It is really sad. Please understand, I’m not saying we shouldn’t buy each other any gifts this year, but I am saying what I heard Jim say a couple years ago, “could we give each other significant gifts this year?” The truth is I remember very few gifts I got for Christmas as a kid and even less gifts that I’ve received as an adult. The reason being, I don’t need anything. There are many things I want, but I can’t think of a single thing that I need. Meanwhile there are billions of people on this planet who live off of less than 2$ a day. Living at the poverty level in this country still puts someone in the top 50% richest people in the world (globalrichlist.com). The truth is there may be some people in my life who don’t really understand why they are getting an ornament from Afghanistan, and they will think my wife and I are weird for caring so much about feeding kids in a place called Barek-Aub and not as concerned about our kids getting the latest toys. Honestly, thats okay. Let them think we are weird. In fact who would you say has truly lost their mind? 1) people who spend more than they have on gifts no one needs and then pay interest on those gifts that are probably already lost, broken or not being played with or 2) people who spend money on taking care of other families in this area who are in need, and keeping people in Barek-Aub alive this winter. No brainer when you look at it that way, right?
Peter says it this way, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
How would the devil seek to devour us at this time of year? Probably in many different ways, but losing our minds by becoming consumed with greed consumers certainly seems to be a distinct possibility. check out this great video that says it well.advent conspiracy promo video
Tags: move
Entries (RSS)