Are you a weapon of mass consumption?
Lily Allen admits that she is, in "The Fear". What about you?
Our world is obsessed with buying; buying the biggest, the best, the latest and the greatest. And we do this because we think that all this stuff, (money and possessions) will make us happier. But the sad thing is that it is doing the very opposite.
Check out this quote from a report called, “Success and well-being – a preview of the Australia 21 report on young people’s well-being, ‘Youth Studies Australia, Vol. 25 Number 1, March 2006, pg.13”
“Many studies show that materialism – the pursuit of money and possessions – seems to breed not happiness but dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety, anger, isolation, and alienation. People for whom “extrinsic goals” such a fame, fortune and glamour are a priority in life tend to experience more anxiety and depression and lower overall well-being – and to be less trusting and caring in their relationships – than people oriented towards “intrinsic goals” of close relationships, personal growth and self-understanding, and contributing to the community. In short, the more materialistic people are, the poorer their quality of life.”
Seems like we are weapons of massive consumption. But it is us who are being wounded. Just living for stuff is making us sick! “Dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety, anger, isolation, and alienation”; that’s an ugly list, but when we stop and think about it, it seems to be so true.
No wonder Jesus tells us not to life for the stuff of this world. In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Treasures on earth will not last and do not satisfy. But treasures in heaven are eternally secure and eternally satisfying. So instead of being consumed by the stuff of this world, live for the next world. Live for God and His glory in all that you do. Invest as much of your time and thoughts, your days and dreams, your money and mind, your energy and enthusiasm, your hopes and heart into serving God and His people. Now that’s a massive mission to be consumed by!
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