Black Friday...

New Testament Challenge, Day 13 – Luke 12-16

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12.15)

I can think of few other passages than this to describe the danger of today’s battle over American consumerism. Today is called “Black Friday” because for many years it was the day many stores’ sales guaranteed the year to be “in the black”. We all know the frenzy each year as shoppers wake up at 3:00am to be first in line to buy the “much needed” new Wii game. Today is bound to be characterized by mobs and stampedes as parents take advantage of “today only” sales meant to drum up business.

But is this really the reason we should call today Black Friday? Our society has turned a day of thanks to God into a weekend of shopping to save the economy and to get the best deal on a toy that is over-priced and under-needed. It is a day we focus upon getting more stuff rather than realizing our needs. Maybe Black Friday describes the darkness of the devil’s control over our lives.

Do not forget the words of Christ, “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?” (Luke 12.24) Let’s not forget that we spent yesterday giving thanks to God for the blessings He has given us.

Let’s not forget, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12.34) If you don’t want your heart focused upon the things of this world, don’t put your treasure with the things of this world.