the gospel vs advertising

 Today we read these verses in the One Year Bible:

Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27
Luke 12:8-34
Psalm 78:32-55
Proverbs 12:21-23 

Let's look at Luke. Jesus says that we need to guard against greed because life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. That's flat contrary to what you see and hear every time you turn on the radio or TV or go on the internet. Businesses are out to make money, of course, and making you think that you absolutely MUST HAVE their latest product is essential to them selling whatever they're selling.

So we have to learn not to listen to advertising. Maybe turn off the radio or TV when commercials come on. Despite what Homer Simpson says, it's not stealing TV to watch your shows without watching their commercials. 

One thing I've found useful over my lifetime is to put off making a purchasing decision for awhile. When you're in the heat of the moment, you really want to make that compulsive purchase. But I find that if I give it a week, I don't really want it as much anymore. The novelty wears off, and I realize I'm fine without it. 

Another helpful tip to combat greed AND to help the poor at the same time is this: find the version of what you want, like the really nice, expensive cell phone with all the features. Then, instead of buying the REALLY nice one, buy the next one down, that's a little cheaper. And then give the money you saved to the poor. 

God, thanks for reminding us that we really can't take it with us when we die - so we need to invest our money in what lasts forever: other people.