Confronting a Conscience of Consumerism (In Christianity)
May 1, 2023
Confronting a Conscience of Consumerism (In Christianity)
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15
Have you ever given any consideration to your spending habits? There are several areas in our lives where we should exercise an excellent expression of the Spirit of God. (Self-Control) Galatians 5:23a meekness, temperance.
It’s no secret that American culture calls us to chase after money and material things. Now it’s one thing to dip into our spending sack and drop some money to treat ourselves to some of life’s fusion of fine things but it’s another thing to spend to the point where it ruins our finances. A considerable number of Americans, even those who align themselves as abiding Christians are contagious with, I refer to as thespending sickness or the Carnal cold of consumerism.
In fact, the average adult in the USA spends $1,497 a month on nonessential items, according to research commissioned by Ladder and conducted by OnePoll. Overall, that’s about $18,000 a year on things we can all do without. And that’s an astronomical amount of money, considering the extent to which Americans are allowing their savings and other central objectives plunge of property.
Defining Consumerism: To capture the thought and consistency for this blog. I thought it would be beneficial to give a definition of Consumerism.
Consumerism is a preoccupation with consuming more and more goods, merchandise, and services. At its core consumerism’s calls, us have the latest, i.e., cell phone, appliances, auto, tv, tech and computer and a plethora of possessions. We are bodacious in buying the best and obtaining the most. It abandons things that arrested our affinity in the past and pushes us to pursues and purchase the most recent and radiant. (shiny thing).
It is the viewpoint that holds the heart hostage and thereby declares “He who dies with the most toys wins.” Only the word of God can amputate and assail attitude of consumerism.
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
A head and heart contracted with the cold of consumerism can lead to continual dissatisfaction and covetousness. Therefore, Christians should watch out for its egregious enslavement.
Join me next week as we continue to immune ourselves with a sword (word of God) and not a shot from
the cold of consumerism.
Not a sermon just some thoughts.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR