Spiritual War in my Wallet

I listened to a sermon recently that succinctly captured the why behind my attempts to edit my shopping habits the last few years. Granted I was never and don't plan on being a fashionista, so "fast fashion" is not my personal weak point. However, there are many more layers to consumerism that seek to entrap our hearts and souls than first meets the eye. Entering this heavily consumerist season of the year, I really appreciated Bridgetown Church's reminder to pause and contemplate before clicking 'add to cart.' I'd highly recommend listening to it with an open heart. Just in the microcosm of clothing, there are labor (justice) and environmental (stewardship) concerns galore.

I've written previously about my passion for creation care, so I won't got into detail here. However, the Bible is pretty clear that those who cheat their employees of their wages are judged by God on the same tier with the adulterers, sorcerers, and liars (Malachi 3:5). And the first few verses of James 5 are pretty graphic on the consequences of self-indulgence, hoarding wealth, oppression, and defrauding employees their wages. Sure, I don't own or operate any of these businesses or corporations personally, but paying someone else to do the dirty work for me doesn't let me off the hook. If I with eyes open, purchase something that impoverishes or enslaves another human being, I'm guilty by association.

There's a war for my heart being waged in my wallet.

If I want some item so bad that I can knowingly cast aside the well-being of another human and/or the care of the planet entrusted to me to co-rule, I have a soul issue that goes beyond a mere gadget or some legalistic list of dos and don'ts. Idolatry is the age-old term that encapsulates anything that diverts our attention from God and His priorities to anything else, and the consequences are severe. We may not worship in pagan temples, yet we willing partake in checkout rituals, scour the sacred catalogs, and enjoy the liturgical rhythm of the sales calendar. Operating from the belief that being a follower of Jesus is supposed to be all-encompassing, how then, shall we live?

That's the question isn't it. I haven't fully answered it and doubt I ever shall this side of the pearly gates. But I want my heart so postured that I'm increasingly taking steps into the answer. I'm not immune from our surrounding culture. I have purchased and still purchase non-necessities for mere pleasure. The siren call of a "bargain" is often to hard to refuse even when it comes at the expense of my global neighbor. Marketing is now so targeted not only to our demographics, but also to me, the individual, to my taste, and designed specifically for my Achille's heel. Warfare calls for strategy. I think it was theologian Dallas Willard that said something along the lines: "We need to so order our lives that sin no longer appeals to us."

Don't be discouraged! There is so much grace in exploring what is means being a follower of the Way boots-on-the-ground in the 21st century West. God has been concerned with our soul way more than externals for millennia (1 Samuel 16). The problem is so enormous that it can feel futile to go against the grain. Sometimes you legitimately need something pronto or you just can't trace the entire supply chain of toothpaste. What follows are some ideas and suggestions gleaned from a variety of sources that have proven helpful on my own journey towards a more just- and stewardship-minded consumption:

1. Source Used This is the most budget-friendly way to ethically purchase so many items. Your moolah doesn't go to a corporation, but to a local thrift/consignment store, junk/antique shop, Craigslist or FB Marketplace seller. Embrace the hand-me-downs from family. A second life for items delays or stops their trip to the landfill. The decreased the demand for brand new then leads to less consumption of the Earth's raw resources. Easy on the bank account and nature. 2. Slow Fashion and Quality Craftsmanship Don't pass out when you see the true cost of items you're used to buying at big box stores. Many of them a pretty pricey and designer with a capital D. That being said, don't shy away from saving up for something with quality craftsmanship. Invest in an item that, while expensive now, will last years and years. Thankfully there are some companies that cater to those who don't make the big bucks. Our personal favorite for clothing basics is PACT, because sometimes you just want some clothing articles new. This link here should get you 20% off, if you want to give them a try in the near future.

3. Purchase less The rate of consumption has increased exponentially over the decades. Don't buy something that duplicates a serviceable item that you own just because it's a good deal and you'd be saving so much money and who knows if such a bargain be available again!?! Learn to find contentment in a wardrobe that doesn't follow every fad. Wear your blue sweater even if the color of the year is chartreuse. Lost a few forks to the trash can? Maybe don't toss the old for a matching new set--perhaps embrace eclectic. Use that techno gadget or drive that car until it breaks rather than upgrading at every opportunity. Purchasing less results in being able to save up for the pricier items in suggestion number 2 up there. Win-win!

4. Step in the right direction Sometimes living in a broken world means, we can't trace an item's supply chain or remotely afford the designer prices of the ones we can. But there is usually a small way we can support progress. For example, all the certified fair trade sunglasses I have found thus far are designer and therefore $100+ for a bit of glass and metal. I just can't bring myself to pay that for something I know will end up scratched and broken. I was, however, willing and able to pay $15-20 beyond what I usually paid for my Walmart shades. Turns out there are some very cool specs out there made out of recycled plastic and wood. At least I know the company is making overtures in the right direction. That is noble to support as well. 5. Make it do or do without Learning how to fix or mend stuff staves off the need to purchase more frequently. The aforementioned sunglasses were only purchased after I had glued my last pair together twice. They lasted about 6 years until they were beyond repair. Acquire new life skills: sew on buttons, mend the holes, replace the missing part, find 1001 uses for duct tape. When something truly wears out, evaluate if you need to replace it or not. Maybe you melted another spatula, but you still have 2 others in your kitchen drawer already. Maybe you don't need to own green pants when you have 5 other colors to choose from. 6. Decrease advertisement exposure Avoiding avarice, gluttony, and crave generating media decreases the amount of time our hearts and minds are placed in a war zone. If you want to learn more about the psychological origins of modern marketing, watch the first part of this documentary. Pause when you discover you (or your kids) are wanting something and consider where you (or the kiddos) heard or saw it first. Maybe TV is making you discontent? Or maybe you need to unsubscribe from some email lists? Maybe create a habit of tossing sales flyers and catalogs in the recycling bin without even opening them? Or set a time limit on Pinterest? 7. 72-hour Rule This is borrowed directly from Frugalwoods. The internet just makes it so easy to purchase with one-click. I myself could use more restraint in this area when it comes to little things that trickle in. CoughBooksCough... Consider designing your own personal barrier that controls impulsive shopping in your weak areas. Maybe remove all shopping apps from your phone? Maybe write down all your "wants" on a piece of paper over the course of the month and evaluate whether you want them at the end of the month? Whatever it is, make it less convenient to mindlessly purchase.

In a season where our culture goes wild with consumerism, may we pause to reflect that contentment and self-control are the virtues not greed and impulse. May we evaluate our heart posture when creating wish lists. May we have mercy on those who made the gifts we purchase for others. May we remember the whole reason for the season--God giving up all heavenly luxury to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free (Luke 4:18). And best of all, Jesus' invitation to join him on the same mission. Merry Christmas!