From Skye Jethani’s Divine Commodity (affiliate link):
If people began suppressing their desires and consuming only what they needed, our economy and society would collapse.
The only thing more insane than this statement is the fact that it’s true.
What if we only bought what we needed?
Would you be willing to let our current capitalistic society collapse (at least in its current form)?
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yikes! can you imagine! i think about the things my family NEEDS:
water – no cost
blankets (or something for warmth)
food – and natural, healthy, straight-from-earth food is our NEED… fruit, veggies, etc.
few other things are NEEDS outside what we as a culture have deemed neccessary.
clothes aren't a NEED other than culturally.
homes aren't a NEED other than culturally. (we could live in a 10×10 room)
electricity isn't a NEED other than culturally.
no, i don't think i could give it up!
It definitely depends on your definition of “needs”. Everyone has different needs. I hate to be relativistic, but I you'll find that needs differ from one individual to the next.
methinks this is a funny question. Sounds like a question Israel and Judah were asking too. The prophets reply… Pardon? That wasn't a question… You don't get a say in this… It's called judgment, and its coming. see Luke 1:46f., etc. There no choice in the matter, only to fling ourselves upon Jesus, and not Jesus+ anything.
Fascinating post, Justin.
It seems that every time I hang out with a homeless person, I reflect what would happen if I only buy what I need. At times, it's terrifying…other times it sounds very freeing. I think the “Christian” response is fairly obvious — sell all your possessions, give to those who have none, take only the coat on your back, etc. I wonder, if we only consumed what we needed, what would happen to advances in science, medicine, and technology? Would they be considered “needs” because of their power to heal and cure? If so, who would have access to these things — only doctors and scientists? It's fascinating to consider the domino effect of how the world would change if we all lived more simply.
Precisely. We all have needs, but I'm wondering how many of us know the difference between wants and needs. My guess is not many. I know I sure don't!
I think you're saying, “We (collectively as the human race) have no chance of ever living within the bounds of what we need!” At this point, the only saving grace is the blood of Christ.
Yes or no?
For real.
I'm not saying that I'd be down the domino effect that would follow if we only bought what we thought we needed. This is a situation much too complex for humanity to answer!
Nevertheless, this quote sent me for a loop because we have, quite literally, become a victim of our own “success”!
pretty much, just saying the quote goes, are you “willing…?” there is no willing about it. The day will come when the myth of self-sufficiency, “free” market, human society, human ability to “will” will be exposed, and only Jesus is left.
That's great stuff. You should be a pastor or something.
Fascinating post, Justin.
It seems that every time I hang out with a homeless person, I reflect what would happen if I only buy what I need. At times, it's terrifying…other times it sounds very freeing. I think the “Christian” response is fairly obvious — sell all your possessions, give to those who have none, take only the coat on your back, etc. I wonder, if we only consumed what we needed, what would happen to advances in science, medicine, and technology? Would they be considered “needs” because of their power to heal and cure? If so, who would have access to these things — only doctors and scientists? It's fascinating to consider the domino effect of how the world would change if we all lived more simply.
Precisely. We all have needs, but I'm wondering how many of us know the difference between wants and needs. My guess is not many. I know I sure don't!
I think you're saying, “We (collectively as the human race) have no chance of ever living within the bounds of what we need!” At this point, the only saving grace is the blood of Christ.
Yes or no?
For real.
I'm not saying that I'd be down the domino effect that would follow if we only bought what we thought we needed. This is a situation much too complex for humanity to answer!
Nevertheless, this quote sent me for a loop because we have, quite literally, become a victim of our own “success”!
pretty much, just saying the quote goes, are you “willing…?” there is no willing about it. The day will come when the myth of self-sufficiency, “free” market, human society, human ability to “will” will be exposed, and only Jesus is left.
That's great stuff. You should be a pastor or something.