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Could Less be More?

The other day, as my daughter and I watched “SpongeBob SquarePants” (I think he is funny), I started thinking about the commercials that we were seeing.

First there was the “yogurt in a tube” that exploded and sprayed yogurt all over because it had “too much flavour to be contained”. Next a swashbuckling sea captain was in a sword fight with… well, someone who was trying to steal his cereal (Because that happens all the time). Then a remote control truck was climbing over rocks, smashing through brick wall and speeding down the sidewalk. Now, I am all for remote control trucks, but the kids in that commercial looked like they were having way more fun than that truck could provide. Most of the commercials were for unhealthy snacks and the premise of the commercial had little or nothing to do with the product. It was all hype.

When marketing is aimed at children, it is easy for me to see how silly it is, but then I started to wonder “Am I as good at seeing it when it is aimed at me?” so I started paying attention.

Here is an ad for a new car that will not only give me a luxurious ride, but it will also “make people look twice”. If I buy this shampoo, my hair will be vibrant and bouncy (I should do that soon before I lose any more of it). This bank will help me save more money so I can buy more stuff. The message was clear: “Buy this” or “Do that” and your life will be better.

Not everyone is listening, though. About a year ago, I read an article about a group of people called “minimalists”. They have intentionally chosen to work less, live on less and own less simply because they think it may be better for them. Apparently, they have found that they have more time for family and friends and the compromises that they have made do not seem so bad.

Could it be that “more stuff” does not always mean “more happiness”?

Maybe we need a different definition of “success”.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:14-17).

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