Friday, February 06, 2009

Weapon of Massive Consumption

Lily Allen's comeback single The Fear made it straight to Number 1 in the UK Top 40. The Simple Pastor has helpfully written about consumption already, but the song continues to haunt me as I drive around.



As the line goes:

I am a weapon of massive consumption
And it's not my fault, it's how I programmed to function


The message of the song seems to be that the whole purpose of our lives is to consume products, in greater quantities. Despite this being a solely Western concern (imagine this being played in a refugee camp or orphanage), is it even an accurate indication of our purpose?

There's no doubt that many are seeking the purpose of life. Indeed, as today's news suggests, Michael Phelps was seeking purpose and fulfilment in recreational drugs. As Dave Bish points out, all the gold medals in the world won't satisfy. Neither will Lily's consumer mindset.

Trying to fill a God-shaped hole in our hearts with anything else will not succeed! As Saint Augustine says: Our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you. Our purpose is to love, serve and obey the living God, and worship him only.

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