Shalom Existence

I like to shop. Shopping is fun. It can be relieving even. Need a pick me up? I don’t do the bar scene anymore, so go to a store! I don’t even know how to word this. I am not a victim, but sometimes I make myself one. The culprit? A consumerist mindset. I remember in high school, my days were consumed with thinking about how I looked. Not really my pudginess (although that was an issue), or my hairstyle (which I definitely now see WAS an issue) but what I was wearing or driving or even the bookbag I was carrying. All I could see was the stuff that other people had that I did not. The style that I tried to pull off but could not, or the brand that I wanted my mom to buy for me but she wouldn’t.

As I grew up I grew into myself and my own style. Now it is not so much the clothing on my back, I no longer care about labels and I love a good deal, but the acquisition of things. Why do we feel we need certain things when others are going without? Is it even okay to spend $40 dollars on dinner when that could potentially buy groceries for a family in need for a couple of days? Does having a nice car or home show that we have made it? I do not think so. But that does not keep my mind from wandering there or wanting my home to look nice by spending money on items that I could easily live without. At what point does it become superfluous and keep you away from a close relationship with God? I am not exempt from selfishness in this area, but I want it to end. I truly believe that to follow Jesus means radical life decisions that might not always be comfortable. Does this mean living without cable, shopping only at Salvation Army, driving a car until it runs into the ground, opening your home constantly, boycotting stores and restaurants with unethical practices (there are a LOT out there)?

I spent today freaking out about depleting my savings for a minor car accident I had. But the truth is, I owe the man, and I have the money. Could I use it on other things? Of course. But would I be using it in a way of stewardship of God’s (because it not really mine) money or would I be spending on more stuff? Furthermore, I am getting married, so I feel that there are things we need to get started. But do I really? Or am I just being selfish? Again I ask myself, how much is too much?

Following Jesus is a high calling, and if we are talking it, well then, we need to put our money where our mouth is.

On a side note, I know you will be getting many reminders of 9/11 today, but try to not just remember but pray for all those out there who still suffer a great deal of pain from that day.

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