I have a friend who would readily admit to the January sales being a highlight of her year. With Christmas over now comes the lure of grabbing a bargain. Another friend commented 'IT IS ONLY A BARGAIN IF YOU NEED IT'
We live in a world that has bred an ideology driven by consumerism, my desires, my needs are of paramount importance it encourages having, rather than being. Historically this ideology was the reserve of the privileged class; but now it is expected and required by many.
I read a story today with photos of a Celebrity Chef spending £30,000 on a hair transplant, it was required to retain his youthful look for American TV so he would remain popular with the viewers.
The followers of this now established 'Good Life' ideology are driven by the hollow promises that offer so much but leaves them hungry for more, it conditions them to live dissatisfied, disillusioned lives chasing what is not catchable because satisfaction is always just around the corner.
There is no question the Bible clearly teaches us personal responsibility and the idea of doing our very best in everything we do, but have we subtly bought into the same ideology as the world? Is Church about me and what I require? Has God just become another avenue for me to become fulfilled rather than the true worship of God?
Timothy Vaverek prescribes a three-fold Christian response to the life of consumerism
The followers of this now established 'Good Life' ideology are driven by the hollow promises that offer so much but leaves them hungry for more, it conditions them to live dissatisfied, disillusioned lives chasing what is not catchable because satisfaction is always just around the corner.
There is no question the Bible clearly teaches us personal responsibility and the idea of doing our very best in everything we do, but have we subtly bought into the same ideology as the world? Is Church about me and what I require? Has God just become another avenue for me to become fulfilled rather than the true worship of God?
Timothy Vaverek prescribes a three-fold Christian response to the life of consumerism
1. Through self-denial turning away from inessential desires of will and flesh.
2. Through prayer a deeper communion with God leading to the path of self-sacrificial love.
3. Through works of mercy and charity, places our focus away from us to others.
2. Through prayer a deeper communion with God leading to the path of self-sacrificial love.
3. Through works of mercy and charity, places our focus away from us to others.
If we commit ourselves to the higher call of Christ, the world will see the glory of God in and through His church. Titus 2:11-14 'For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self controlled, upright and Godly lives in this present age....'
