You, Happier!
“We all know it’s more blessed to give than to receive, so give yourself the gift you’ve always wanted this holiday season!”
I wish I could remember which retail store has been pushing this line through my radio non stop in the last few weeks. I’m sure I’ll hear it several more times before the holiday season is over. The blatant selfishness doesn’t surprise us at all, but have you noticed the subtle narcissistic adverts invading your tube and airwaves? The most cunning has to be Best Buy. They start you off with a real life employee telling stories of seeming selflessness… “This is their one shot” to make an impact on the spouse who is in on leave from Iraq, so it’s got to be perfect! Or the wife giving a husband a new phone in a creative way. The older parent who wants to see his grand kids open their gifts, but they’re missionaries in Africa… But their new holiday slogan really says it all, doesn’t it?
“You, Happier”
Yes indeed… ME happier. After all, _______ (retail store of choice) brings happiness.
But we expect this from advertising, don’t we? I know they’re just trying to make a buck in this down trodden economy, and I guess you can’t fault them for that. But I wonder what the Church and Christianity is supposed to look like in comparison? Do we look that much different? Do I?
The early church was communal for several reasons, not the least of which was need… not need as we see it, but survival mode “if we don’t live this way, many of us will die” type of need. I know we don’t need a communal type life, and I’m not looking for one. But the juxtaposition of our society and theirs brings up an interesting aspect that makes it difficult for us to live truly as the hands and feet in the way that I believe we’re called to.
Individualism - This is our creed. This is the American way. This is our battle cry.
In our marriages, our jobs, our relationships, our giving, our receiving, our celebrations, our conversations, and unfortunately our faith. This is what defines us… “Me… happier.”
Those within our faith who have or are reversing the trend are still far outnumbered by those who embrace this American way of life. And then there are those in between, sacrificially giving or serving from time to time and trying to make a difference, but subconsciously sucked in by subtle materialism and individualism.
This is one of those “speck / log” relationships. “Mine is a speck, yours is a log” … We want to do more, but I believe most of us (that is inclusive of me) fail to realize just how steeped in individualism we are. I know that I could use some help.
How can we do more than just our quota? How do we move beyond “yes, we did something to help someone this year… now, let’s finish this wish list”? How can we turn gorging ourselves during our Thanksgiving feasts into satiating the bellies and (more importantly) the hearts of the less fortunate?
Will you do something with me? Thanksgiving is next Thursday, it’s not too late is it? I challenge you, especially if you have a blog, share your ideas over the next few weeks / months, lets look at solutions together and enable each other to move beyond ourselves in spite of the individualism which has inundated our lifestyles.
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BestBuy.
Here’s the thing: we each do this or do not do this to a certain extent. “Individualism” is a part of us, something we build on in the “God has a purpose for your life” vein of the culture. But we can’t swing too far to the other extreme, forsaking self to sustain the whole, or we’ll lose out identity. Maybe a bigger question/challenge is to find the balance and live out of that?
here is the thing: uniqueness and identity is not a byproduct of the philosophy/mindset of individualism. Uniqueness is ingrained in us, wired by God, and in no way should we ignore that. We should be true to our personality and develop our own unique selves, lead in the way that we’re called to lead, use the gifts we’ve been uniquely given. Using the example of the early church, Peter, Luke, Paul, Barnabas, James… all these guys had unique styles and personalities.
Of course balance is necessary; but it calls for a much longer discussion, which i’m happy to have if anyone wants. I don’t think most of us realize the depth of selfcenteredness that our individual-first society (i.e.-individualism) brings. It’s not a guilt thing, just a reality thing for much of our culture.
But the goal here is to look past our own desires and see the needs of others. To learn to see opportunity to impart a glimpse of God’s kingdom into someone’s life and soul rather than just sending a glancing eye their way.
Shining a light for Christ doesn’t necessarily mean that your philanthropy has to be a big production. I totally agree that (this time of year especially) has become more about “me, me, me” than about “what can I do for others. ” Just look at what’s happening to our government. (Another discussion entirely, and I know you go the opposite way, so we’ll skip over it), but what ideas do I have to help the least fortunate? I guess I start by acting as if every encounter I have outside of my “Christian bubble” will be with someone who has never met someone so overjoyed by the love of Christ its changed them completely. Do I give out money to everyone I see in need? No. Money will not always do a person good.
I’ve been blessed to be in a church for a year that exemplifies Christ’s Hands and Feet every chance it gets. I see the Body in Action more now than I ever have. We also take time to enjoy the blessings given to us by God, so that we appreciate what we’re doing for others even more. Does my rant make sense?
If you want specific ministries that are out there to get involved in, I’ve got tons! Just let me know!
yes indeed. I absolutely agree, it doesn’t (and often shouldn’t) be a big production (didn’t mean for it to come off that way if i did).
And i think you hit on a good note concerning “every encounter” …
Mark Batterson (in “In A Pit…”) relates learning to see opportunity in the same way as when you buy a new car or phone. Before you buy it, you don’t really notice how often it’s out there around you, but once you have the car, you see it everywhere… Batterson talks about how prayer can open your eyes to see opportunity, and along with what you are saying, the more we are consciously thinking “is this an opportunity where God wants me to take action?” we will see opportunities open up in front of our eyes that we probably tend to miss.