What Shape Are you?
Consumerism has given us many globally recognisable shapes. Creative types might think instantly of iconic design profiles: the figurine coke bottle, the Nike swish, the sleek Apple Mac. The cynical among us might suggest more sinister outlines: the increasing Western waistline, the reducing Arctic ice.
But nothing the consumer mould produces is as significant as this: the way it shapes our souls. The problem with consumer culture, to put it bluntly, is not so much the products it makes - these can be ingenious, useful and, increasingly, more sustainably produced. The problem is not so much the mess it makes - this is a massive global challenge, but still only a symptom of a deeper malaise. The problem with consumer culture is the people it makes.
Let's make this personal. The problem is me. 'Hi, my name's Mark and I'm a consumer.'
The truth is that I am hugely shaped by my addiction to stuff. I am formed by my fear of a dull, reduced life. I am defined by the ever-present danger of lagging too far behind the consumer pack. Funnily enough, I don't feel addicted. But, at the same time, I really don't want to be the only person who hasn't seen Avatar in 3D / hasn't been skiing / isn't culturally up-to-date (delete as appropriate). All this is deeply formational, and the shape it gives me is a rushed, dissatisfied and self-focussed life.
God is, of course, in the formation business too. He has a particular shape in mind for us - 'to be conformed to the image of his Son' (Romans 8:29). It's an image of suffering and glory, as Paul makes clear throughout Romans 8. It's an image of generosity and blessing (at times 'poor, yet making many rich' - 2 Corinthians 6:10 - easy now, Paul!). Eugene Peterson calls it 'the soaring and swooping life of grace'. Or we could say 'less stuff, more life'.
Six years ago, inspired in many ways by the writers at LICC, I co-founded The Breathe Network, to answer the question: how do we become Christ-shaped rather than just consumer-shaped? If we've learned one thing so far on the journey it's the importance of just starting somewhere. So then, why not begin with a simple life audit: where do I invest more imagination - in shopping or in Scripture? What do I hope most for my children - personal success or the life Jesus describes as 'blessed'? What is going to shape me today - the genius of consumerism or the generosity of Christ?
Mark Powley
Mark Powley, an ex-teacher, is Associate Rector of St George's Leeds, and author of the newly published Consumer Detox: Less Stuff, More Life (Zondervan). He will be hosting an interactive evening on consumerism, at LICC, on Monday February 28 at 6.30pm. For more details, click here
Comments
I think "Less Stuff, More Life" is a poignant Christian ethic for our times. Well done, Mark.
I really enjoyed this article. Found it was something close to my heart after my dissertation at the end of my theology degree was about how the comsumer society we live in affects people's attitudes to church, faith and religion. I linked the fast moving "liquid" form our comntemporary culture promotes to the lack of any desire to take hold of anything longer lasting with firm foundations. The temptation is always to go with what ever is instant- whatever gratifies the quickest, so a life spent serving God and getting to know Jesus bit by bit is no longer appealing...
I thought this all sounds very good and encouraging, but I hit a snag. When I went online to look for the book I was taken to Amazon's Kindle edition and the enticement to get more stuff - a Kindle to read the book.
Consumer Detox I am a consumer. The more I buy, the sooner We come out of recessions, In praise of possessions. The untransformed mind Is clearly defined ‘I am, because I buy’, No need to ask ‘Why?’. I may be squeezed But don’t want to be freed. It’s much too bold To replace the mould. The social norm Is to closely conform. It takes faith and grace To give His Image space.
Date:
2011-02-08 20:00:28
Author:
brianwakeman