9 Jan, 2008
Obsession for possessions
Man nails Santa to cross to protest commercialism
"Santa has been perverted from who he started out to be," Conrad said. "Now he's the person being used by corporations to get us to buy more stuff."
He photographed the crucified Santa for his own Christmas cards, bearing the message: "Santa died for your MasterCard."
Conrad said he got the idea for his homemade display from an article he read years ago about Japanese merchants mistakenly mixing up symbols in preparing for Christmas, putting Santa on the cross.
A visit to the Snopes urban legend Web site casts doubt on the origins of the Japan story. "As parody it's believable; as an honest mistake we find it unlikely," wrote the Snopes author. The article does mention that an artist once displayed a similar image in New York City as a statement about Christmas commercialism.
Conrad thought the story was funny - true or not - and decided that one day he'd have to put up a similar display. He created it by stuffing a Santa suit and borrowing the head off a motion-activated Santa that dances and sings Christmas carols.
photo & story courtesy komotv.vom, 12/24/07
Matthew 6:25-33
Do Not Be Anxious
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about earthly possessions?
First of all, Jesus makes it clear that our focus must be on Heavenly values rather than earthly values. If we are obsessed to possess, we will find ourselves empty-handed and needy.
Secondly, Jesus said that the Father knows our needs and will supply them in His way. Can we be patient and trust Him to be our loving Father?
Today's story about the guy nailing Santa to a cross happened before Christmas but it's something each of us need to think about in 2008.
Our culture is so focused with material bling and things - it's all about bigger and better - about having the most - or at least more than the other guy!
Look around you. It's pretty obvious that having nice stuff does not equal a life of purpose or happiness or meaningful relationships or of bringing honor to God.
Priorities are the problem.
A Godly view of life after death is the key. Christ's death on the cross makes this possible not just at Christmas but every day.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Do a little honest evaluation. How are you doing with our culture's perspective of 'the one with the best and most stuff - wins'? What are your priorities on a daily basis? Pleasure or serving? Possessions or giving? The earthly or the heavenly?
- Talk to God right now. Ask your heavenly Father to forgive you for ways in which you have been selfish or impatient about needs and wants. Ask His Spirit to help you depend on Him completely and see your needs and desires from His perspective. Thank your loving Father for His promise to take care of you in a way that He knows is best for you.
- For one month, keep a written record of what you want and buy. Every time you think of something you want to buy, ask yourself if you really need it or do you just want it? Could the money you spend be used in a better way? Do you think God would be pleased with the purchase? Honestly evaluate your attitude and actions - you might be surprised how this affects you and others!
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Use this DAILYBIDE as a resource for your youth group or small group to get other followers of Jesus thinking about what He taught in Matthew 6:25-33.
- Email this DAILYBIDE to a friend or family member and then follow it up with a conversation to see what they think?
- The next time you go shopping with friends who need Jesus, ask Jesus ahead of time to help you model His values to your friends. Maybe you could even tell them that you are cutting back on your purchases because you want to do something more lasting with your money....like helping others in need. Get ready for some interesting looks and comments and hopefully some questions about why? Be ready for Jesus to help you listen to His lead and to their story as you answer.
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