Having spent a lot of energy wrestling with consuming vs. making something of the world, I'm hoping that we can now our attention to the practical side of the discussion. How? How do we resist our desire to consume and instead make something of the world? Practically speaking, what helps you in this regard? (The discussion may need to start with us talking about where we're susceptible.)
If you're sincerely stumped, feel free to confess your struggle and then ask for help in discerning alternatives to consuming.
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I just remember a statement that Fred made when he was asked to speak at Mosaic once. I can't remember most of the talk... but this stood out to me. When evaluating whether to buy something new, Fred and his wife ask themselves if that thing that they are thinking about buying will help further kingdom bringing and relationships with other people. They think of their "stuff" as tools of ministry.
Example: A new patio set is just a patio set that could be a frivolous purchase, EXCEPT if they bought it with the sole purpose of having people over for dinner to interact with them on a more personal level.
That statement alone has helped me when evaluating what I spend. Sometimes I selfishly push the thought out of my head and buy/consume what I want just because I want it, but other times it has helped me to really evaluate the reasons why I want something and I come to the conclusion that my resources are better used elsewhere. That's my "line" when I think about consuming vs. making somethin gof the world.
The first question I ask myeslf when buying something is do I NEED it or do I WANT it? There are further questions past this initial one, but that doesn't really matter for the subject at hand. Two things I feel you need to consider is to ask yourself why you're buying something and will your purchase cause you to act negatively?
I don't know if there is a lot I own that will aid in bringing the Kingdom to earth. I could maybe make the argument that there is, but I'd rate my self fairly poorly in using it to bring others to Christ.
A friend asked to borrow money because he was in a bind or so he said. He had just gotten married and had two little kids that I absolutely love. The worst thing I potentially saw happening would be something to them and I couldn't take the risk. I lent him more than he asked just to play it safe for their sake, even though this is contrary to the advice my parent's gave me when I asked for it.
Upon the expectance of his tax return, he told me the money was mine and I could get it whenever I wanted. Before going to Cozumel last spring, I asked for it and have never heard a word from him to this day, nor has any money been repaid. A brother in Christ told me that this was a good act of love towards him and it would cause questions to fill his mind on why I did it, giving me an opportunity to share the gift of salvation.
Instead of expecting the money he told me he'd repay and is rightfully mine (at least arguably), should I not expect it? If it were Jesus, is my expectation the same as His would be, or would he not expect it?
I know for me, I need to always be in a constant state of evaluating my mind and how I spend my time or I can become one of the biggest consumers that I know.
My personality tends to "focus" on things to where I put 110% into something. As this can be a good thing, it becomes difficult to balance my life. The last few years I feel I have put so much energy in my job that the main thing I wanted to do when I got home was to "consume" or "relax". I'm quickly learning that in a sense, I allowed my job to drain me too much.
Hi Chris. Welcome, thanks for joining the conversation!
Are you saying that for you, "relax" and "consume" are typically synonomous terms? How does one relax without consuming? Curious on your thoughts/eager to learn from you.
I'm not sure how to relax without consuming. In fact, now that I think of it, I'm kind of confused by the word consuming. When I think of consuming, I'm not only thinking of buying stuff, but actually taking stuff in...like watching a movie/tv show or reading a book or having a conversation.
Maybe what I struggle with is in the way I consume, and the content that I consume. And now I think I am just confusing myself. I think I need to think more about this...
I think my fear of spending all of my money leads me to save as much as I can. I usually end up buying little things here and there and before i know it $100 is gone. I agree with Chris's point on consuming is more than just buying stuff. And Jessica's point is a good way to look at it. I have a recent example : I started a ruger 10/22 project this spring. I want to complete it before i go hunting next week, but I also want a circular saw. Both are about the same price. I know I would use the saw a lot more than the gun. So I bought a scope, to continue the project.
I hear of stores that are struggling because people are starting to save their money more. We are a consumeristic people.
Chris. It may help you to read the other chats we had about consumerism. But none-the-less, your question is a good one about what constitutes consumerism. From my perspective, I'm concerned with the reality of consuming instead of functioning as an artist and gardener in the world (Genesis 1-3).
adam
Bryan, dude it has taken me all week to figure out who you were, your pic through me.
That is an intense story. So, do you regret giving the guy the money?
Honestly, no, I don't regret giving him the money and knew from the beginning I'd probably never get repaid. Until he said the money was mine, I never expected it. My expectations grew after he told me the money was mine whenever I wanted it. The fact that we haven't spoken since April and the awkwardness this created between us is something I had hoped wouldn't happen. However, I knew this risk from the beginning. All I can really hope for is that he used the money as needed and I helped in a time of need......
Wow Bryan, your heart on all this is both encouraging and motivating, thanks for giving us a window to see that heart! Reminds me of Luke 6(?) when Jesus talked about if you give to those who you know will repay you, what credit is that to you!
Is your heart bitter, or do you feel like you're at a healthy place?
No, I don't feel bitter and the only time it seems to come up is when my mom occasionally asks if I got repaid, yet. She's not being mean about it; rather, I think that's her way of reminding me of the lesson I've hopefully taken from there. But, if a friend were to come to me with a similar situation, I'd probably do the same again.....
Good job!
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