How do we resist the trap of overconsumption and choose contentment in Christ instead?
Amazon Prime Day has evolved into a four-day Summer event, during which experts estimate shoppers will spend nearly $24 billion on deals. Spending across the United States is expected to reach record levels, rivaling the famed Black Friday sales. Current sales are projected to increase 28% compared to last year. This is all amid tariffs and inflation, leading to rising costs for almost everything. It seems higher prices is not a deterrent to increased spending in our nation.
This fantastic display of consumerism begs the question:
How Can Christians Practice Contentment and Stewardship in a Culture Obsessed with Consumption?
We all feel the draw of those flash deals, the pull to snatch up one more item on our wishlist for a little bit of a discount, but is this really what we need to pause and contemplate? Is filling our carts the best way to honor God with our resources?
More is rarely more. I am reminded of this as I once again fill bags of extra clothing, toys, and other household items I have somehow acquired but are now causing me more stress than ease, as they have cluttered up my home and required hours of my time to sort through and eventually donate. I again see the insanity of my constant need for more when I review my bulging budget and lament my inability to reach my financial goals. I wonder to myself, where has all our money gone?
These are the moments that I am pressed to push back on the endless pressure to do, buy, and even earn more! We feel this messaging coming at us almost everywhere and through nearly every online interaction. I check in with an influencer I enjoy and am sold on the idea that their new outfit or supplement will correct all my wrongs. Drive around town, and I am tempted by warm, expensive drinks or a leisurely dinner on the go. I pop onto Amazon to grab some household essentials and am quickly distracted by irresistible deals and new gadgets. You cannot avoid the loud pressure of endless consumption.
Sadly, we all fall to this temptation more than we should. Not every indulgence or purchase is wrong, but we often purchase much more than we can use or ever need, which is a form of gluttony. It’s a sin that is frequently praised in the name of YOLA-ing or self-care, but honestly, God wants us to care for our souls in simpler ways and calls us to be good stewards of all he gives us, practicing contentment in every way we can. Hebrews 13:5 says,
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Content with what we have looks like carefully evaluating before filling your cart. Practically, one way to help us live with more contentment is to take time to pause before purchasing.
7 Things to Ask before You Click 'Add to Cart'
1. Is this item a necessity for my family?
2. Will this item be used for an extended period?
3. Are there other ways I could obtain this item? Could I borrow it? Could I buy it secondhand to reduce my environmental impact?
4. Could I live without this item?
5. If this is an indulgence, will the joy it brings truly bless me or others? Can I offer this blessing without making an additional purchase?
6. Is this item a quality item that is worth the financial investment?
7. Can I use the money spent on this item better?
“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” - 1 Timothy 6:6-8
The Bible encourages us to invest in the necessities. Keep our belongings minimal, remembering that we were not made to build up our earthly kingdoms, and we take nothing out of this world. Less material possession is more, according to God’s Word.
Generosity Is One Way to Use Our Resources Wisely
When we embrace this minimalism, we can use whatever else we have been given to advance God’s kingdom. Consider Jesus’ financial backers such as Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Susanna, and many others (Luke 8:1-3). These women were helping to support the ministry from their abundance, which significantly advanced Jesus' mission. We have to embrace this mindset, seeing that we have as a gift that can be used for the glory of the Lord. Our extra was never meant to be spent on endless gadgets and material possessions. Luke 6:38 says,
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. With the measure, you use it will be measured back to you.”
Generosity is a part of godly stewardship. Instead of clicking BUY NOW, we can thoughtfully find ways to invest in work that shares the love and message of Jesus with the Lord. Is there a family, ministry, mission, disaster fund, or activity we can put our resources into that will forever impact the souls of the people around us? Saying no can be a way to tell a better yes!
Modeling Restraint Is Vital for Generations to Come
As a parent, I see that my kids live in a much more ‘instant’ culture than I grew up in. They can instantly choose from 1000’s of shows to watch on their TVs, groceries can almost instantly appear at our front doors, DoorDash delivers your craving with little delay, and Amazon allows you to buy whatever you want with one click.
Our brains need a break from instant gratification and practice in pausing. Instant offers too much immediate reward with little consideration for the consequences of our spending, eating, and general consumption habits. Wisdom happens when we embrace holy pauses, and we absolutely have to teach this to our kids because if we don’t, they will never learn it. James 1:19 says,
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, “
Slowing down is a way to measure our responses, inventory our real needs, and then make God honoring decisions. Begin to model this in your home so your kids can learn this skill. We want to learn content living not just for ourselves but for the generations to come.
A Prayer for Genuine Generosity
Father,
We ask that you graciously help us change our relationship with material things. Please show us your way regarding consumption and teach us your paths. Please help us to embrace contentment. Let us begin to employ a holy pause before making purchases. Convict our hearts regarding gluttony and show us how to live with less. Reveal more ways we can be generous, advancing God’s Kingdom through our resources! Show us how to model the next generation counter-cultural living that focuses on contentment, generosity, necessities, and careful consideration for how we use our money. Provide all we need for this life. Please help us to live wisely, investing in your eternal Kingdom first and foremost. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Erik Mclean
