"Oh, Black Friday, your reputation is clouded by frenzied crowds -
marred by the stench of hypocrisy."
I can honestly say I have never participated in the shopping frenzy on that day, because I spent those long, backbreaking Fridays working at Macy's, which completely extinguished any lingering desire to chase a few measly discounts.
The behavior of so many shoppers was particularly disgusting, and I'm happy it cured me of ever wanting to partake in such a practice. The sense of entitlement, rudeness, and impatience often made what could have been a nice occasion feel like a bizarre spectacle of the human condition.
I'll never forget my first Black Friday at Macy's. The anticipation in the air was palpable, my heart racing as I felt the rush of energy as we prepared for the biggest shopping day of the year. My manager looked at me and said,
"It's Greed in Action."
As we approach the season of Peace, let's REMEMBER who we are celebrating!
The birth of the Prince of Peace - not the Prince of chaos and greed. That's the other guy!
It's perfectly fine if Christians want to engage in Black Friday shopping, which can be a fun family activity, but it's important to be mindful, as it can be a slippery slope for many. It’s crucial to do so with wisdom and discernment, ensuring that our choices reflect our Christian values during this special time. We can make choices that reflect our beliefs, keeping the experience meaningful rather than just transactional, and it stands as a powerful testament to young believers facing their own struggles.
It's easy to get caught up in the greed and consumerism in this world. It seems we are a gluttonous culture - everything to extreme excess, from overeating to overspending on items that we don't really need and food we don't really need to eat.
We really do need Jesus, don't we?
We still can't help ourselves.
So, let the season of peace embrace every part of you, always remembering who you belong to.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Romans 12; 2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3; 2
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
Galatians 5:16-17
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3;20
