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Consumerism, Châsêr,and Maga

Consumerism, Châsêr,and Maga

Last updated on: February 21, 2024 at 6:27 pm by Martin Thomas Johnson

Consumerism, Châsêr,and Maga 2024-02-21T18:27:24-05:00 Martin Thomas Johnson

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Almost 2 weeks after the Super Bowl, I am still enjoying the creative commercials that entertained and enticed viewers during the big game. Advertisers tried to get the most bang for their buck while dishing out seven million dollars for a 30-second spot.

Super Bowl

Image by Pixabay

Since marketing is part of my vocation, I always enjoy the humor and creativity of the commercials. It’s also fun to see celebrities show a lighter side.

Who doesn’t enjoy seeing somebody make a fool of themselves? However, I understand the real purpose of the Super Bowl ads.

Inform
persuade
Sell

Corporations know how we live in a world with a consumer mentality. New is always better than the old. Stuff gives us satisfaction. We want things to make our lives better.

Want

Have you ever noticed children always want more, even when I have everything they need? Yet, children must depend on their parents to provide their needs.

Children playing

Image by Pixabay

Wise parents know the difference between what their children need and want. Needs are things we cannot live without, wants are things that will make us happy or make life more pleasurable.

Our sin nature blurs the line between needs and wants. Satan is a master of twisting our perception into desperation. God’s people will be tested in this fallen world.

If we are to be different than the world, we must understand the difference between our needs and wants. The Bible has alot to say about wanting things because our wants are different than the world’s (Matthew 5:6; 6:33, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:2.)

The Apostle Paul learned the difference between wanting and needing from his Jewish education.

Châsêr

Judaism says a lot about wanting because God constantly reminded Jews not to chase things like the world around them (Deuteronomy 11:27-31.) Like a good father He promised to provide their needs (Psalm 37:25, Isaiah 58:11, Jeremiah 29:11.)

The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament for want is châsêr, depending on its context it can mean lacking or need. When God offered King Solomon whatever he wanted, he wisely chose wisdom over earthly wealth, yet God gave Solomon both.

The psalmist described God as a shepherd who takes care of the needs of his sheep (Psalm 23:1-6.) The psalmist knew he could trust God to take care of his wants and needs.

Protection
Food
Water
Comfort
Guidance

Solomon knew to trust God and not his own wisdom for his needs (Proverbs 3:5-6.) The other “Son of David,” Jesus, identified Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18.)

Sheep and goats

Image by Pixabay

He was willing to lay down His life to protect and provide for His flock. He reminded His followers not to place their hope in temporary things of this fallen world (Matthew 6:19-21.)

Jesus knew we would want some of the temporary pleasures of this life. He said one day he would separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32.) Living in the South I understand what goats do, they chase whatever they want, even if they don’t need it.

Needs

Jesus knew if His followers had more of the world in their hearts than His Spirit, what they wanted would become their needs (Matthew 6:31-34.)

I am old enough to know I don’t need everything I want. I have also learned that I can never get enough of what I want because this world cannot satisfy what I really need.

That is why Jesus taught His followers to deny themselves daily (Luke 9: 23.) We are tainted by our sinful nature, our perception is corrupted.

Consumerism promises more. This fallen world always wants more because of the curse (1 John 2:17.).

Greed
Control
Pleasure

Unfortunately God’s people keep taking the bait like Adam and Eve did in the garden and kept wanting more (Genesis 3:1-6.)

Truckers

Image by Pixabay

As I write this there are truckers refusing to deliver goods that are needed in New York City because they bought the big lie and they didn’t get what they wanted.

The GOP continues to block needed aid to foreign countries at the demand of their chosen Savior. Americans are the wealthiest people in the world, we have more than we need and still châsêr!

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