Wednesday, November 28, 2007

DIRTY, DIRTY CONSUMPTION

Jesus wept.
It is a sentence often quoted as the shortest verse in the Bible. On Friday, it was a reality. Not just because of Black Friday monetary spending but because of the addiction to consumption and lust for material possession and/or entertainment.
Jesus wept.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

We've let our love of possesions come between us and our savior. We've lost sight of what the true importance of this season really is. It's very disheartening.

Anonymous said...

Travis I have a question for you on this subject so whenever you see me next just remind me!

Anonymous said...

In India, I just went to buy 102 sets of clothes for the orphanage children living next door. This was to be their Christmas gift. I was not able to buy all the same price range because of the amount that I was buying so I asked the mission worker whether the children will be mad if some of them got slightly nicer shirts. He said, "Mam, these children do not see what others have. They are just thrilled that they received something which is necessary for them." These kids suffer horrendous atrocities and are grateful for the smallest gift. I believe that Jesus weeps over these children and weeps over how the church has ignored their plight. I am thankful that this discussion addresses the heart of God for those who have no idea what black friday is and have never seen a computer in order to participate in cyber Monday. Since coming to India, I have seen how many possesions I thought were necessary in the States are now luxuries.

Ryan Schmitz said...

Job 3:2

Anonymous said...

Perhaps He also grinned when He saw diligent, stewards purchasing things for the needy at "bargain" prices referred to as loss leaders. Shopping on black Friday is not all bad, the question is the motivation--selfishness and greed or good stewardship to help those less fortunate. Obviously, the bad dominates but some folks had the right motive. Sharing love by giving gifts.

Matthew 5:38-48, NASB

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."