Americans Spent $584.3 Billion This Christmas
That's a record and is up 5.5% from last year. On Christmas presents. For one another. If you do some simple math and consider that Evangelical Christians are 20% of the population and they spent proportionally to everyone else, that would have that group spending around $120 Billion. On Christmas presents. For family and friends. Almost $200 for every man, woman, and child in America (see article: http://usat.ly/gdLyed ).
All of this to celebrate the birth of the homeless Jesus.
Let that sink in.
Then, think about this: Every year, 1.6 million children under the age of 5 die from water-borne illnesses. We could solve the clean water crisis in developing nations for $10 Billion, less than 2% of what Americans spend on Christmas presents.
Americans are spending almost $600 Billion per year on Christmas presents, obesity is out of control, average home sizes are 2.5 times larger than they were half a century ago, even though the American family is smaller, and we are awash in debt, depression, and dissatisfaction.
Maybe - just maybe - we aren't getting it right. What if prosperity and abundance isn't the answer? What if there is more to life that what we have been told? What if realizing the American Dream is not what is best for us?
I think we've been sold a bill of goods and the price tag is very high. I think it is costing us our soul and we are happy to pay the price, all so we can extend the party a little longer. Hey, nothing wrong with having fun and enjoying life. But, at what cost?
There is a better way.
All of this to celebrate the birth of the homeless Jesus.
Let that sink in.
Then, think about this: Every year, 1.6 million children under the age of 5 die from water-borne illnesses. We could solve the clean water crisis in developing nations for $10 Billion, less than 2% of what Americans spend on Christmas presents.
Americans are spending almost $600 Billion per year on Christmas presents, obesity is out of control, average home sizes are 2.5 times larger than they were half a century ago, even though the American family is smaller, and we are awash in debt, depression, and dissatisfaction.
Maybe - just maybe - we aren't getting it right. What if prosperity and abundance isn't the answer? What if there is more to life that what we have been told? What if realizing the American Dream is not what is best for us?
I think we've been sold a bill of goods and the price tag is very high. I think it is costing us our soul and we are happy to pay the price, all so we can extend the party a little longer. Hey, nothing wrong with having fun and enjoying life. But, at what cost?
There is a better way.
YES. THERE IS A BETTER WAY.
Now, before you go thinking I'm being judgmental....I fully realize I'm part of this problem. I struggle with this EVERY day! (Go ahead and ask my friends how badly I want an iPad!) But, the good news is that I STRUGGLE WITH IT!!! Wouldn't it be worse if I were okay with all of this?
And no, there is nothing new under the sun. This SAME issue was discussed in Ezek. 16:49. Here's what my sweet man had to say about it...http://sixtyfeet.org/2011/02/17/the-sin-of-sodom/
Ugh. I almost don't know what to say! Where are we going wrong? How can we stop it? Oh, my sweet Lord....show us a better way! A way that loves the poor, the orphan, the widow, the imprisoned....a way that glorifies you. Please forgive us!
Ugh. I almost don't know what to say! Where are we going wrong? How can we stop it? Oh, my sweet Lord....show us a better way! A way that loves the poor, the orphan, the widow, the imprisoned....a way that glorifies you. Please forgive us!
Way to make me feel guilty about our iPad. JK. (and anyway... it's "Micah's" iPad... sort of...)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, my friend!
You are so right! It hurts my heart to think of the children not only around the world that are in need, but in my children's own school. We have SO much that we don't need or even use.
ReplyDeleteThank you for encouraging me on my blog yesterday.
Great post friend. So important to have perspective living in this world.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I love this post. I struggle with this daily. When I get so riveting mad about hearing how someone is whining about something trivial, or how they are "owed" things, I just have to remind myself - I'm not better. I am truly ashamed of spending as much as I did this past christmas. It did not make it better, in fact I think that people didn't even like most of the items that I got them.
ReplyDeleteAnd I get so angry. We complain about economy being so bad and things being so dire, yet our daily lives don't reflect it at all! I hear mothers complaining about how they have NO money, yet every one of their children has their phone, and usually - its an iPhone. What?
Ugh...don't get me started.
People will be people. I just always have to ask God to check my heart and keep his hand over my wallet, every time I feel that i have to spend money on something that's stupid.
Thanks for sharing. I agree and I also struggle a ton. I'd love an ipad too:o). We can live on so much less and in return, give to those who have nothing.
ReplyDeleteHI! You recently posted on my blog and I was wondering if I could get your email. We may have an opportunity to help out sixtyfeet and M...
ReplyDeleteI sent an email a couple weeks ago about sending some meds and medical supplies to them, but haven't heard back. Not sure if maybe I have the wrong email.
Thanks for the encouragement and support on my blog!!! It IS so awesome to know that my heart is very much like others!!! And that sixtyfeet is lead by such an amazing team of people who love the Lord.
My email is courtandgracewillis@yahoo.com if you want to email me, I can either email you or another contact you may know of?
I am sure you are very busy and really appreciate your time!!!