In our fast paced world, it’s easy for the one thing our life depends on–Christ–to get crowded out by to do lists, homework, work, or even insignificant things like video games, movies, and the ever popular, just being lazy. I remember a song lyric from Anathallo that can adequately, yet sarcastically, sum up this sentiment. “I really did want to spend time with You today, but it’s just that I had so much to do.” The lyric literally repeats itself over and over (for most of the entire song), perhaps poking fun at how many times we have to tell ourselves this lie in order for us to be okay with not spending time alone with God.
Sometimes I find that the reason I don’t spend time reading God’s Word each day is because I get in the habit of “shopping” for good material. And even though that may come from a good place–after all, I want to make sure I’m digesting sound, deep theological studies–it may actually have it’s root in the world’s thinking. I’ve been reminded recently (by our Divisional Commander, Lt. Colonel Ralph Bukiewicz) that all too often the Church mirrors the world’s consumer mindset. Now before you quit reading and head straight to Facebook, hear me out. I’m not necessarily talking about how the Church buys expensive things which have no Kingdom value or use (although that may be an issue in some Corps/churches). I’m talking about how the American Cultural mindset–the one that says, “I need to find the best product for the least amount of money.”–may translate into us going on a hunt to find the best deal in terms of devotional material, worship music, or even Corps/churches to attend.
Typically when we go shopping, we look for the best deal (financially), and if it’s not worth the money, if the product isn’t cheap enough for what the product actually gives us, we back out, and fast. Now where this may be good in the financial world (we really don’t need to be spending as much as we do at times anyway), this mentality can poison our spiritual life. Soon enough, we’re making excuses for not spending time with the Lord that aren’t even valid. We busy ourselves with trying to find the perfect devotional product (be it a book, DVD, website, etc) that until we find a flawless one, one that fits perfectly with what we’re struggling with, one that fits perfectly into my schedule, etc, that we never actually commit. We never arrive at what we set out on the hunt for in the first place. We get lost in the consumer mindset.
Here’s the thing, there will never be a perfect anything (save for God alone). You will never find a perfect book, speaker or video. So stop looking for it, and just meet with God. Besides, there are plenty quality resources out there. You just may be too busy looking for the perfect one that you’ve missed a million of them.
(photo complements of Bas de Reuver.)