Do not be conformed to this world (the influence of consumerism)

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Wednesday, 21 December 2011 06:44

In Romans 12:2 we are commanded to “not be conformed to this world”. We are not to think, feel, speak, and act like the unbelieving culture around us, but should reflect an other-worldly attitude as those who have experienced the mercy of God firsthand, are citizens of God’s kingdom, and are being transformed by Him through the renewing of our minds (vv 1-2; cf. Col. 1:13; 3:9-10; Phil. 3:19-20). To not be conformed to this world is, of course, easier said than done. Though we are not “of the world”, neither have we been taken “out of the world” (John 17:15-16). And consequently we are quite vulnerable to the influence of the age and may not even recognize it.

Consider, for example, the influence of consumerism upon your outlook on life. You may be quick to lament the materialism that surrounds you in this season and abounds in our country, but do you even recognize the subtler influences of consumerism upon your soul?

We are taught to believe through advertising and marketing that “the customer knows best” and “the consumer is king”. We are the center of attention. Businesses “care about us” and will do everything possible to ensure that we can enjoy their product “our way”. We have not only the freedom, but the right, to shop around and look for the best deal that will most favorably suit us.

This may be good and fine when it comes to shopping for a tooth brush, but when we uncritically transfer this attitude to the maintenance of personal relationships, involvement in a local church, or the pursuit of spiritual growth it becomes downright dangerous and detrimental.

How so? Consider for a moment a few of the effects:

Inflated view of humanity – Much advertising is designed to make us feel like we are cared about (by the company seeking our business), in control, and deserve the best. You probably have received mailings similar to the one I recently received inviting me in bold letters to “Get the discounts you deserve!” Do you evaluate such statements biblically or simply agree that “you deserve” discounts (or anything else good)? If you receive these messages uncritically, you are probably developing a view of yourself and mankind that is quite unbiblical. Truth be told, we are born sinners, actively rebel against God, and deserve His wrath (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 1:18-3:20, 23; 5:12-14; 6:23). We are not in control and will not find the care and concern we desire for ourselves anywhere outside of Christ (Lam. 3:37-38; Rom. 8:28; Acts 4:12). We should be quite thankful that by God’s mercy we are not receiving what we deserve! And we should be careful not to buy in to the inflated view of humanity that is being sold to us through the consumerism of our age.

Proud self-confidence – Similar to the above it is quite possible that we have become so accustomed to hearing slogans like “the customer is always right” that we have actually begun to believe that we, the customer, are always right. The prevailing attitude of our culture teaches us that while others may not quite “get it”, we certainly do. And for that reason, we have a right to make certain judgments and choices. Lord willing, we are actually right some times, but we must beware of our own pride and self-confidence. When we disagree with our friends or the decisions of church leadership, do we automatically assume we are right and they are wrong? Or do we seriously, soberly, and prayerfully take the matter before the Lord and consider it in light of Scripture? If we are uncritical of our own motives and assessments perhaps it is because we have become too consumeristic and have bought into the lie that “the customer is always right”.

Self-centeredness – Whether in the matter of friendships, affiliation with a church, or pursuing spiritual growth it all becomes about me. What caters most to my needs? What benefits do I gain? How is this serving my interests? Our true concern is not for how we might profit our friend, serve the body of Christ, or increase in expressing God’s worth, but instead how we might get our emotional needs met, find a church with the programs and musical style we prefer, and improve our own self-image. In short, we become us-centered/oriented rather than God-centered and others-oriented (contra Matt. 22:37-39).

Disloyalty – By imbibing the consumerism of our age we can become increasingly fickle and disloyal as well. Since it is acceptable to shop around for whatever best suits our felt needs, what place has loyalty and reliability any longer? “If my friendship isn’t working out, move along.” “If this church isn’t quite what I had hoped for, shop for another.” “If Bible study and prayer aren’t ‘working for me’, seek self-improvement another way.” Whatever happened to the concept of loyalty and the virtue of steadfastness? (cf. Pr. 17:17; 2 Pet. 1:6-7) Indeed, there are different times and seasons in life. There is a “time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away” (Ecc. 3:5-6). But when you determine that it is time to “refrain from embracing … to lose … and … to cast away”, what is influencing your choice? Is it your self-centeredness and lack of love? Is it your immaturity and unwillingness to endure anything difficult for the sake of Christ? Is it because you think involvement in a local church is little different than choosing whether to shop at Wal-Mart or at Target?

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