Today’s Thought “Commercialism: Appealing to the Insatiability in Man” G. Ward

“ Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.” Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

 

How many of you are Wal-Mart fans along with me? It appeals to the modern consumer in that most are hurried and desire retrieving all they’ll need while in the marketplace vs. visiting numerous stores. There’s a store within 3 miles of our home and I enjoy my knowledge of where most everything is. On last weekend I was astonished to find Christmas décor throughout the lawn and garden section. More than 25 trees were on display begging me to purchase one. We haven’t decorated our home since our boys were younger (table top décor at best), but this year we have two grandsons to consider.

 I commented to a friend while viewing large snowmen and reindeer that would occupy a front yard, “Deborah (my wife) better not purchase anything like those. First of all they’re too expensive and lastly they consume more electricity than I want to pay!” Translation – I need to communicate to her that I’m well aware of the early existence of the décor and desire to be with her when she purchases too much.

The story of Jabez is analogous to our being captivated by an enlarged border that commercialism may present. Moreover, our being residents of such a wealthy land potentially addresses “blessings” as emanating from on High, when in actuality we felt we needed it, so we bought it. Our prefacing for being blessed by Holy God must be synonymous with Jabez’s to have lasting power. His desire was a perfect ambassadorship unto God, not more stuff…

Happy Monday!