Center for Creative Ministry A research organization and research center for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their congregations
The Source of Life
Just in time for the largest shopping season of the year, Netflix released a new documentary, “Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy.” Some describe it as the title states, a conspiracy theory. Others see it as an accurate account of factors that could be the cause of many of the environmental problems we are experiencing in our world today.
A few may remember “The Hidden Persuaders,” a book written by Vance Packard released in 1957, that detailed how consumers were manipulated into buying more than they had planned to purchase. For example, we no longer take appliances to be repaired because the cost of repairs often exceeds the cost of replacement. In the decades since Packard’s book, manipulative techniques have been honed, sharpened, and polished until we live in a society that has become a ”throw-away society.”
In the documentary, former employees of large corporations describe their jobs to convince consumers to buy more, not considering it was to the detriment to both people and Earth. Eric Liedke, former Adidas Brand President describes how in 2014, when Adidas was heading down, they created a new story, a new buying opportunity. With the addition of musicians and artists in the storytelling, they were able to drive consumption.
The documentary goes on to say that the fashion industry knows you well. Roger Lee, clothing manufacturer, states that fashion used to have two seasons per year, so items would sell for six months. Now, fast-fashion sees newness every month.
Rather than creating products that serve the consumer for as long as possible, manufacturers build in ‘planned obsolescence’ which not only impacts the financial stability of the consumer, but leaves our earth, our oceans, and our land with more waste than can be handled safely.
Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever 2009-2019 says, “When we throw away, we actually don’t throw it away. Away doesn’t exist. It ends up somewhere else on planet Earth. And it increasingly has consequences.”
In some instances, everlasting can be harmful. But when we look at the message of everlasting that John describes, we see something that is forever, and for our benefit. The temporariness of our world leads us to search for new rather than searching for that which lasts, that which will be of value to us long-term. It encourages us to act for the moment rather than persevering for what is enduring.
John’s Gospel begins with, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God,” NLT. John repeatedly in this Gospel describes a life that is eternal because it comes from the Word, the source of life. Unlike throw-away items that pile up on our earth, what he shares is a newness, a gift from God who offers everlasting love and life.
Just as the fashion industry knows consumers, this Life knows us. Psalm 139:13 reminds us of the One who made us, who knows us. “You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me,” CEV.
Jesus created us, and also provides the opportunity for us to believe, and to receive the gift of everlasting life through Him.
For Reflection
Connecting: Think about things you can believe in completely. What are they? Would you be willing to share what you can trust completely?
Sharing: Read John 6:60-68 and Numbers 13:23-33. In these stories, comparisons can be made about how those involved responded to the task at hand. What can we learn from these accounts?
- Both passages include some individuals who thought the task they were to do was too difficult.
- Both passages include individuals who exhibited faith in what they were asked to do or what they were asked to believe.
- What some people see as an insurmountable challenge, others see as doable because of their faith in God.
- The difficulties in life’s tasks are often more than a believer can be expected to deal with.
- God gives faith to those who believe.
- Other
Applying: In the classroom, teachers know that students learn best when they can share knowledge with others. Are there opportunities in your home, neighborhood, or church where you could choose to become involved in sharing the life-giving words of Jesus with others? Could this be accomplished by helping in Sabbath School classes, giving Bible studies, helping in community outreach, or simply by sharing with those who could use a friendly conversation?
Valuing: Matthew 4:1-4 reminds us that spending time studying God’s word is equally, if not more important than daily food. Ask God how you can be sure to find time to study the eternal messages learned in daily Bible time.
~ Joy Veverka
We Are Thankful For You!
This year as each of us reflects on what we’re thankful for and plan for the future, we hope that you also feel our gratitude for you.
You may have been with us since our early beginnings 36 years ago and stuck around for Adventist research reports, or you may be a new subscriber who recently learned about our weekly Sharing Scripture feature.
No matter the length of time we’ve been together, we sincerely thank you for your support, as well as for sharing Creative Ministry’s content and weekly newsletter with your friends, family, and maybe even your pastor or members of your local church.
It is our hope that our products bring much joy, insight, and support to you as you prayerfully pore through these resources.
We say our thanks for you, and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving weekend and joyful Native American Heritage Day.
All the best,
Stefani Leeper | Content Coordinator
The Center for Creative Ministry is fully recognized by the North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; it is also a 501c3 nonprofit organization which makes donations tax deductible in the U.S.
