What Consumers We Are
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2
Last evening, I met a most delightful young woman who is working on her master’s degree in marketing. She raved about her favorite professor and about the impact on Allison’s life. Later in a quiet moment in the conversation, I asked her what was the biggest takeaway from this educator. Her answer was simple yet profound. “We are all consumers all the time!”
Encouraging her to continue, I realized I had never really thought much about this. She explained how 100% of the time we are consuming something. Allison talked about not just food but about people’s time and talents. People do it to us and we do it to others.
When there is a healthy balance between giving and taking, all is well. If the taking is greater than the giving, there tends to a waving of red flags.
This is the time of the year when companies want our undivided attention and they will try to get it any way possible. They view us all as consumers and see us as dollar signs. Are we? Why can’t we simply keep the balance?
What would happen if we consumed more of God’s Word or how about sharing more smiles and acts of kindness. You could always let someone out of the mall ahead of you. Wow! Forget the gift that you probably purchased for someone who does not need it with money you did not have.
Yes, we are still taking up space and someone’s time but the results might be positive.
What are you mainly consuming? Are you gnawing away at a friend’s time with superficial chatter? Is the refrigerator door constantly swinging open and shut? Might the wine supply be dwindling a little too quickly? Perhaps you are allowing someone to take a chomp out of your schedule. Maybe you’re buying out of likes instead of needs. I suggest that it is time to become a wiser consumer.
I’d like to think that we are in control of what we are consuming. Is that possible? When it comes to the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I must say yes! I pray that the Holy Spirit will totally consume you and that you will willingly share your best with others.
Creator God, thank You for yet another life lesson. Help us to change our thoughts and be aware of what we are consuming during this season. AMEN.