We find ourselves in a society that is increasingly defining our identity and our relationships by the things we buy.

The philosopher Baudrillard explains, “consumption is a system of meaning”. We assign value to ourselves and others based on the goods we purchase. Our identity is defined by the clothes we wear, the cars we drive and the music we play. Shopping is becoming the number one leisure activity of Australians and the reason why they have built the enormous factory outlet malls on the Gold Coast.

The danger is that we approach Jesus as consumers. Instead of seeing our faith as a comprehensive way of life and Jesus as Lord, Christianity becomes just another ‘product’ we consume. We come along to get our fill of Christian experience and merchandise but fail to live different, purposefully Godly lives.

Jesus calls upon us to deny ourselves and follow Him. The call upon us is to take up His cross not the credit card. The Bible challenges us to contentment and self control not the pursuit of personal desire. Can you really pray “thy kingdom come and thy will be done”?

Stephen Semenchuk