Does the recent state of our culture and the trajectory of our country almost have you feeling like an exile? While we should be careful not to take for granted the freedoms we’re afforded, the privilege it is to be an American, or have a victim mentality, it is inarguable that Christians are becoming more and more marginalized in our country. This unfortunate reality is accompanied by a correlated decline or even disappearance of traditional values and Judeo-Christian ways of organizing American culture and society. The result is a nation wherein orthodox Christianity is utterly alien to the dominant trends and accepted truths of our culture.

What does this mean for us as Bible-believing Christians? It means that we are increasingly becoming marginalized. It means that we are increasingly a minority. It means that, in a real sense, we are becoming exiles.

And while this is certainly a reality that we should mourn, the advice we have for what you should do about it, or, more accurately, the advice that the Scriptures have for what you should do about it, might not be what you’d expect.

The Israelites were a people who experienced multiple exiles during the Old Testament. As it turns out, the Israelites were fairly similar to us, in that they had a less-than-spotless track record of obeying God. These constant rejections of God and His plan for their lives got them into trouble repeatedly (to understate it quite a bit). During the time of the prophet Jeremiah, Israel found itself in exile and under Babylonian rule. And although their circumstances largely followed from their disobedience and the judgment of God, they found themselves victims of a hostile enemy and the oppressive and unjust rule the Babylonians had imposed upon them. Naturally, the Israelites mourned their situation and cried out to God in their unfortunate state, begging God to turn His attention and His judgment upon the wicked Babylonians who had mistreated the people of God.

It is precisely this context of exile and lament in which the prophet Jeremiah addresses the Israelites on behalf of God. We find the content of this message in the book of Jeremiah, in the Old Testament. As we contemplate our current station as Christians in an increasingly hostile country and culture, and the similarity (though admittedly far less severe), to that of the Israelites under Babylonian rule, let’s hear what God has to say to His people through the words of the prophet Jeremiah. Maybe we can gain some biblical insight into how we ought to respond to our newfound exile. You may find our “marching orders” during this time to be different than what you may have thought or have been told to do by many in our culture.

Let’s look at Jeremiah 29 together:

[1] These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. …[4] “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: [5] Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. [6] Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. [7] But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. [8] For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, [9] for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the LORD. …[10] “For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. [11] For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. [12] Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. [13] You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. [14] I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” (ESV)

Alright, I know that was a lot. But let’s try and find the theme of Jeremiah’s instruction from God to the Israelites who are in exile.

Jeremiah addresses the people of God who are suffering from exile and crying out for deliverance and judgment upon Babylon. Many of the Israelites had been hearing from supposed prophets who were telling them that God was going to rescue them and destroy the Babylonians, immanently. God’s actual plans for His people’s plight was not so immediate and favorable as the Israelites had hoped. God had not told them, “Prepare to enjoy the spoils of war as I smite the Babylonians and deliver you from exile.” Instead, He says something to His people rather unexpected. He tells them to plant a garden.

What? Plant a garden? Build a house? Have babies? How in the world can that be the advice for the people of God, experiencing injustice and oppression and captivity by the wicked enemies of God? Surely Jeremiah meant to say, “Suit up, ready the horses and prepare for battle!” Surely our response to exile shouldn’t be to plant a garden.

And isn’t that what we, today, are inclined to think in our current situation? Aren’t we encouraged and roused to do the same thing by many well-intentioned (and maybe some not-so-well-intentioned) leaders and influencers in our circles? Is God actually telling us today, in our modern context in America, to build houses, plant gardens, and have children in response to the impending cultural exile we are facing as His people? In a very real sense, I believe this is precisely what He is commanding us to do.

But how, exactly, is this helpful? Isn’t that basically just giving up, being lazy, or, even worse, surrendering to these wicked powers and trends? What about our children and the America that we leave for them? Why shouldn’t we fight, tooth and nail, in our society, culture and politics to defeat these anti-Christian causes and the people who are behind them?

These are legitimate questions that deserve an answer. And that’s exactly what we’re going to pursue as we look to next week’s blog, where we’ll find what seems to be the two-pronged solution Jeremiah prescribes: Trust the process; trust the Author. But don’t worry, we’ll explore this idea further and see if we can find out why God might tell us to do something so utterly bizarre and counter intuitive. Don’t forget to come back next week for part 2!

When I was growing up, traveling, at least in my mind, was something only rich families were able to afford. Sure, we were on the road constantly and putting a ton of miles on the car. But they weren’t exactly “road trips” like you see in the movies. When I was seven, we moved about five hours away from the rest of our extended family so that my parents could go into full-time ministry at a year-round Christian camp. Five-hour car rides were very common for me, as were packed suitcases (my brothers and I would often just share one big one), sleeping against the car window or on your sibling in the backseat, and quick pit-stops along the highway.

But none of these countless trips I took while I was kid would be considered “traveling.” Because, to me, “traveling” was something only wealthy families could afford. Our family was blessed greatly in many ways. We were able to do a lot of fun things, and we certainly never worried about where we would get our next meal. But, like a lot of families, we simply didn’t have the money to take a family of five to Europe or to the Caribbean or even to Niagara Falls. At the time, many of these trips would have cost several thousands of dollars and were not the kinds of activities to which most families had access.

That’s why I have to pinch myself when I’m reminded that I’ve been to places like Indonesia, Germany, Italy and Mexico. And I’ve been able to visit cities in the U.S. like Chicago, Houston, Miami, D.C. and others, all in the last several years! And while I certainly owe the opportunity and ability to travel to these places to the goodness and graciousness of God and the prosperous nation in which He allows me to be a citizen, traveling has now become an opportunity that many individuals and families can experience.

For a variety of reasons, air travel has become more affordable, and even downright cheap in many instances. Sure, it takes a little bit of “hunting” to find some of the cheapest fares (sometimes as low as $20 one way!), but there are now services and flight trackers that can help you find these great deals. Moreover, there are countless ways to save a ton of money on hotels and activities at your destination. So not only can you get there affordably, but you can stay at top hotels for steep discounts. Then, you can head out to the zoo, the waterpark, or a nice restaurant and spend far less than you thought you would. What all of this means is that there may be opportunities for you and/or your family to see more of the U.S. or even the world when you might not have even thought it was an option.

And while there are many services out there that can help you find or book these trips, there is only one that uses your purchases to make an impact by leveraging the marketplace for the values of Faith Driven Consumers (FDCs): the FDC Marketplace. In previous blogs, we have spotlighted the FDC Marketplace and informed FDCs of what it is and how we can utilize its offerings while mobilizing those purchases collectively to leverage the marketplace. (If you haven’t read these blog posts yet, make sure to click on the links at the bottom of this blog to learn more about the FDC Marketplace.)

The FDC Marketplace itself is straightforward and easy to use. But it’s also extremely affordable… You can sign up here and pay $5 a month or at a super steep discount for $25 a year! And trust me, you’ll likely save ten times that on one trip with FDC Marketplace discounts and deals. After you become a Marketplace Member of Faith Driven Consumer, just go to the FDC Marketplace website and click the “Travel” tab above the scrolling graphics. Then all you have left to do is explore the thousands of great destinations and adventures and choose which one is right for you or your family! Also, if you are a new Marketplace Member or are new to the FDC Marketplace, check out the video link below and watch this short tutorial, showing you how to use the FDC Marketplace and get started saving today!

We want to encourage you to see more of this beautiful world that God has made for us to enjoy, and we are here to help you do that. The FDC Marketplace can help you save money on the day-to-day, and then afford you access to special deals, allowing you to book a trip that doesn’t break the bank like you thought it might. That’s why this blog post isn’t just an advertisement for one of our resources. This week’s post is all about informing and encouraging you to reconsider your opportunities to travel and see if we can play a small part in helping you finally go on that vacation or trip you’ve been considering for years. Oh, and by the way, when you do, you’ll be contributing, along with the entire FDC Community, to a nationwide effort to make a faith driven impact in the culture and marketplace we inhabit.

FDC MARKETPLACE TUTORIAL:

More Information on the FDC Marketplace:

The FDC Marketplace: Save Money While Making a Difference

Engaging Brands Who Aren’t Faith Compatible

Last week, we considered the advent of the new fall season and millions of Americans going back to school. With everyone settling into new schedules and making plans for the fall semester, we were encouraged to not neglect vital spiritual disciplines in the Christian life. We promised you six different spiritual disciplines, but we only looked at the first three: being in God’s Word, praying regularly, and evangelizing. This week, we’re going to look at the other three as we consider the importance of these practices and see how we can better incorporate them into our daily or weekly routines going forward. So, without further ado, let’s pick up where we left off…

4. Prioritize serving in your local church and in your community. One of the most practical spiritual disciplines we can engage in, is service and servanthood. Jesus said that anyone who wants to be first in the Kingdom of God must be last and become the servant of all. A Christ-like life is a life of service and sacrifice. What are some ways that you can weave regular volunteering or service into your weekly routine as you plan out the upcoming fall season? In which areas could you serve the church and your community in a way that demonstrates the sacrificial love of Jesus and a desire to love others as He loved us? Take an inventory of the gifts with which God has blessed you and then put them to use in whatever context fits best.

Are you good with kids? Volunteer to serve in the youth at your church, or even host a college ministry or bible study at your home. Are you good with computers and technology? Offer to run sound for worship at your church, or be ready and willing to help out the seniors at your church, or your aging next-door neighbors, who have weekly computer or smart phone issues and no one to help them (pray for plenty of patience along the way!). And if you’re good with your hands or are a carpenter or mason, talk to your pastor(s) and find out where you can help in your community and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Whatever or wherever it is, make a point to put your talents and skills on the altar to be used in service of the Kingdom.

5. Make giving a regular part of your financial practices. This is one we talk about often here at Faith Driven Consumer. But one of the most practical ways in which we can embody faith driven practices as believers is through the use of our money. And while spending wisely, saving money through platforms like FDC Marketplace, and using the FEI to ensure you’re supporting faith compatible brands, it’s also important for us as Faith Driven Consumers (FDCs) to be giving regularly to further Christ’s Kingdom. Whether it’s to your local church, a ministry or directly to help the poor, the orphans, or the widows, giving of your resources and your money for causes prescribed in Scripture–and that align with our values–is one of most important spiritual disciplines we can perform.

There are many reasons why giving regularly is such an important spiritual discipline in which we should be involved. But an important one that comes to mind is that giving regularly and sacrificially is a defense against idolatry in our hearts. In a world where most people are obsessed with the money, the pursuit of money, and the things money can buy, it’s important for us to remind ourselves that money is not our god. Giving regularly and sacrificially can help train and teach our minds to remember that all money is God’s anyway and that it can easily become an idol if we are not careful.

6. Worship God throughout each and every day. This one is obvious and may seem like an umbrella term for all of the other practices we’ve been considering. But while that’s true in a way, worship is the most important of them all. And it’s so important for us to consider and work diligently to practice because it’s the thing which should undergird all the other disciplines we’ve discussed. That’s because worship is not a specific practice or a task to be performed. Worship happens from the heart. When we respond to the goodness of God with a spirit of praise and honor to Him, we are worshipping God. When we, by Jesus’ work on the cross and through the power of the Spirit, reflect the character of God back to Him and to the world, we are worshipping God.

That’s why worship is so important – it is a spiritual, heart response of love, adoration, praise and thankfulness that should be the foundation of all that we do as believers. So, whether we are reading God’s Word, going to our Heavenly Father in prayer, or giving of our talents, our time or our money, we should remember to practice this important spiritual discipline of the heart and the mind: worship. And when we do, not only will God be glorified, which certainly is reason enough, but the world will also see and bear witness to power of the gospel. Then, by God’s grace, they might “see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

As we mentioned last week, this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other practices like fasting, meditating or even journaling which can be very helpful in your walk with Christ. But we have considered six different practices that are prescribed for us in Scripture, and that if we incorporate them into our regular routines, it will help our minds be renewed in the Spirit each and every day. As Faith Driven Consumers, let us not neglect to do so as we go into the next season of our lives and tackle all that this world throws at us.

Summer is on its way out, and for many the school year has already begun. And whether or not you’re a student, chances are your schedule is changing or has already transitioned into what it’s going to look like until the end of the year and into the holiday season. Maybe your fall classes have begun at your high school or college. Maybe you’re out of school but are a parent with kids who have just started the new school year. Or maybe the “school year” doesn’t affect you at all, but all the summer traveling, beach trips and activities have concluded, and you’re simply settling in for the long haul until the holidays. For grandparents, maybe you’re gearing up for a new season of activities and sports for your family’s youngest generation.  Whichever applies to you, for millions of Americans, this time of year marks the beginning of a new phase in our annual schedules. With that in mind, and as we do all our planning and scheduling, trying to find a sustainable and healthy regiment for the rest of the year, let’s look at six different spiritual disciplines that we should be careful not to neglect as we do so. This week we’ll look at the first three.

1. Make reading God’s Word a regular part of your schedule. This is an obvious one, right? But how many of us can say we are doing this on a regular basis? How many of us treat spiritual food like we do physical food? When we miss our time in God’s Word, do we feel as if we’ve missed breakfast or lunch, or haven’t had our cup of coffee to which we’ve become so accustomed?

As Christians, we say and believe some incredible things about the Bible. We believe it is literally God communicating to us. We believe it is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is “living and active.” We believe is it is the Bread of Life. But if this is true, and indeed it is, are we living like it? Do we believe it is central and foundational to our everyday lives so much that we should construct our days, our schedules, and our time around it? As we undertake the beast that is planning and regimenting our time for the rest of the calendar year, may we do so as an act of worship that places consistent and sincere time in God’s Word at the center of all that we’re working toward.

2. Find time daily to be in prayer. This is another “Sunday school” answer. We all know we should be praying, or at least praying more. So that’s not the problem. The problem isn’t that we need to be told to pray more. Instead, we need to take practical steps to find replicable and sustainable parts of our day that we set aside as times of prayer. Take stock of your daily routine and find a time or a part of your day that you can consistently devote to prayer.

If you struggle with praying regularly, don’t set your expectations too high. It doesn’t have to be a long period of time. It doesn’t even have to be every day. The most important thing is to find a time where you can be committed and consistent. Maybe it’s in line to pick up kids from school. Maybe it’s on the way to work in the morning, or on the way back home in the evening. What if now is the right time to commit to praying with your spouse before bed once a week? Whatever you decide and whatever may be right for you and your family, as you go into the fall, find a time that you can consistently consecrate to the Lord in sincere and fervent prayer.

3. Look for opportunities in seemingly mundane situations to share the gospel. We all know we should be evangelizing and telling others about the good news of the gospel. But if you’re like me, you sometimes find it hard to find ways to do so that aren’t awkward or abrupt. Now let’s be honest, some of that feeling is because we have become too comfortable with the ways of this world. As a result, we’re out of practice or find it awkward because our hearts and minds aren’t tuned into the kingdom of God like they should be. We’re more comfortable talking about the game last night or our favorite TV shows, as we’re easily distracted and may not always focus on embodying Christian modes of thinking and being.

But there is another side to it as well. Many unbelievers don’t respond to the evangelistic methods that may have worked a generation ago. And while there is still a time and a place for gospel tracts and extemporaneous witnessing, most of the realistic opportunities to share the gospel come in the form of everyday, or seemingly mundane, interactions with others that we often neglect to see as an evangelistic opportunity. However, these interactions, especially the consistent ones, are the ones with significant gospel potential (the barista at the coffee shop you see every day, the waitress that regularly serves you at your favorite diner, or your neighbor with whom you’ve mastered “small talk”).

Consider the people you encounter on a daily or weekly basis. Ask yourself if there is a way that being more intentional in conversations and interactions could lead to gospel conversations. Then be diligent and intentional. Prepare and anticipate God opening up opportunities to share the love of Christ with them. And when He does, you should do as the Scriptures say and be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15 ESV).

 These are just a few of the ways you can begin thinking about how to incorporate more spiritual disciplines into your schedule moving forward. Obviously, it will look different for everyone and there’s not one magic number of how many minutes in prayer or bible reading a “good Christian” should engage in. But, if we’re honest with ourselves, we are likely to admit that we can do better in some or all of these areas. The most important thing to do then, is not set lofty goals or do the spiritual calculus of what percentage of my time should be spent in the spiritual disciplines, but instead, to be intentional.  Make it a priority. Then find ways to commit to engaging in these soul-enriching activities that will help us grow closer to God and to be more like Him as we go into the world. And no matter what that looks like, if we do so with intentionality, we will find God’s blessing and God’s presence since His Word promises it will never return void.

Lord, grant us the strength to make You the center of our lives, not just for the fall and the holiday season, but for the rest of our lives, in devoted service to Your Kingdom and in intimate relationship with You.

(Next week, we’ll look at three more spiritual disciplines to incorporate into our routine. Stay tuned!)

The events of the past week and a half have reminded me of what the Psalms say many times: the nations will rage. As we see horrific scenes of what is occurring in Afghanistan, we are a nation trying to make sense of it politically, diplomatically, morally and psychologically. Many are understandably seeing red and looking to hold accountable those who are responsible for these disturbing events. Others feel inadequately equipped to opine on global politics and foreign policy and avoid getting too involved. But whatever your response has been to these tumultuous days, as Christians, there is one response that should be ours before all others. As followers of Christ and ministers of the gospel, it should be our immediate reflex in times like this to go to the Lord in prayer with all our petitions.

In light of this duty we have as believers, together with the desperate need for God to work in the situation that has developed and is continuing to develop in Afghanistan, we want to offer a brief prayer for this messy, dangerous and bleak situation. May we go to God with humility and boldness and petition him for His intervention into the disastrous scenes unfolding in real time. Let’s go to the Lord in prayer.

Our Heavenly Father,

We come to You with burdened hearts for the events of the past week and a half. The devastating effects of man’s sinfulness are on full display as we witness these horrific events occurring in Afghanistan. But, Father, we know You are a good God. You are an all-knowing God who does not ignore the sufferings of man. And You are a sovereign God, on Your throne, in control of all things. Your word has told us that in all things you are working for our good and your glory. Your word also tells us that the nations will rage and that kings will set up kingdoms and, just as quickly, they will fall. God we come to You, who is sovereign over all, and ask that You would work in a situation that seems hopeless. As we witness the nations raging and see men rise to take power and install governments of oppression and injustice, we ask that You would intervene in Afghanistan. We also pray that You would reveal yourself to the Afghan people and begin a miraculous work in their hearts and minds.

We pray for those Afghans who have fought against the Taliban and who are now facing threats to their lives and the lives of their families. Protect them from evil and reveal Yourself to them.

We pray for the Americans still in Afghanistan. Whether they are officials, reporters or translators we ask that You would be with them and shield them from evildoers and protect their lives and the lives of their family members.

We pray for the American troops who have sacrificed greatly for 20 years in this broken country. For any that are still on the ground, give them safety and the means to continue providing aid to the situation and to the vulnerable.

We pray for the men and women in Washington who are making decisions that affect the lives of so many. Give them the wisdom to make decisions that don’t multiply evil and suffering. And prevent them from acting misguidedly or foolishly, or for partisan or self-interested reasons. And give them the courage to make the right decisions moving forward.

We pray for the women in Afghanistan who will suffer greatly under Taliban rule and not be able to enjoy many freedoms they previously did. We pray for these women that in their suffering You would reveal yourself and that they would find their refuge in You.

We lift up the children in Afghanistan, as well, Lord, and ask that You would protect these young ones, and shelter them from the evil around them. Make Yourself known to these young Afghans and use them to bring about a spiritual revolution in their country.

And Lord, we even pray for the men fighting for the cause of the Taliban. May You work a miracle like this world has never seen and capture the hearts and minds of these evildoers, much like you did with your servant Paul. But, Lord if this is not your will, then we ask that You would impede, frustrate and prevent the plans of these men, that their evil ideology and beliefs and values could no longer be spread.

We pray for the missionaries still in Afghanistan. Give them the strength to endure what is sure to become a difficult and life-threatening time. Protect them and secure them, but empower them to never abandon or hide the good news of the gospel and continue proclaiming it to a country in need of it more than ever.

Lord, we pray for the church, the Body of Christ, that we would be vigilant and constantly looking for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus. May we pray ceaselessly. May we give generously to those in need during this difficult time. Give us the strength to be courageous and effective in our ministry efforts. Mobilize Your church and use us mightily in serving the vulnerable, all for Your glory.

We ask all these things, with the faith and belief that You have the power to do all of this and more, in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

I hope that you were able to join in this prayer and petition to God. And I hope that it will encourage and empower you to lift this situation and these people up to Him whenever you see something on the news or social media about the events unfolding in Afghanistan. Let us mobilize as the Body of Christ and be a prominent voice for good in our country and in the world. And let us stand with the vulnerable who need safety and security, but more importantly, who need the grace and love that only the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a relationship with Him, can provide. May we stand ready to share and be an example of this to all those in need of it during this difficult moment. And may we remind ourselves daily that God is on His throne and His wise and sovereign plan can never be thwarted.

At FDC, many of the ways in which we enable and equip our members to be effective consumers involve helping you spend, save and steward money. We spend a lot of time talking about these things because it’s important for our personal lives, the lives of our families, the communities we inhabit, and the culture at large in America. We can help you save money through the FDC Marketplace. We enable you to spend money wisely and strategically through the FEI. And we often write blogs or feature podcasts about how to save and steward so that you can experience the blessing of financial health and freedom.

These are all tremendously important things that we believe in and are exceedingly happy to be able to provide our members. But occasionally, it’s helpful to step back, re-center and ensure that we are doing all of these things – good things – out of a foundational and overflowing love for Jesus Christ. As sinful humans, our greatest struggle is with idolatry – making good things, god things. And even something as good and important as saving money and spending it in ways that promote Christian values in our culture, it can become an idol that distracts us, or can even become a monument to our own kingdom here on earth.

One of the most beautiful passages in the New Testament provides us with a powerful reminder of how a true follower of Christ “stewards” her resources in the presence of Jesus her Lord. Let’s take a moment to read this tremendous passage from John 12 together.:

[1] Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. [2] So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. [3] Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. [4] But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, [5] “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” [6] He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. [7] Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. [8] For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” (ESV)

This passage depicts an intimate event, just days before Jesus would be crucified, where His disciples and followers would spend one of their final moments together. During this time, while Martha was about to serve dinner, Mary left the room and came back with a bottle of perfume. This perfume was exceedingly expensive and reserved for burial treatments of family members. A pound of it, as the verse says, would have cost almost a year’s worth of pay for the average person and was among the most expensive and precious things a family owned. It was this perfume that Mary retrieved and then proceeded to pour out – entirely – onto the feet of Jesus. The beautiful aroma filled the room in a way that would’ve been powerful and overwhelming for a rag-tag bunch of smelly fishermen-turned-vagabonds.

Mary’s act of love and sacrifice was not only profound for those in attendance of that intimate dinner with his loved ones. It has been a story that has stirred many hearts for two thousand years as Christians have read of the intense love and devotion of Mary towards her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It stands as one of the most beautiful depictions of intimate love and devotion ever recorded, and, indeed, an example for those of us who are striving to love and serve God in a deeper and more authentic way.

But…

Not everyone reads this story and sees it that way. In fact, within the brief story, itself, we are exposed to the disapproving perspective of Jesus’ disciple Judas. And Judas provides an argument against Mary’s actions, which on the surface seems reasonable enough. Couldn’t she have sold the perfume instead? Wouldn’t all that money have been able to secure much needed resources for impoverished people? Couldn’t it have been used in a less wasteful way? Shouldn’t she have discussed with group or asked permission to use it in this way before impulsively pouring it out on Jesus’ feet? And for that matter, why did she have to pour the entire bottle out? Couldn’t a few drops have been sufficient and gotten the point across?

These are the kinds of complaints Judas had against Mary’s actions as he chastised her for being so wasteful and unthoughtful. But if we’re honest, and if we, for a moment, put aside what we come to know about Judas in later passages, I think we must admit that we are sometimes prone to thinking in similar ways as Judas was here. Sometimes we become distracted and deluded enough to think that there are better ways to spend our resources, time, money and efforts than in pure love and devotion towards our Father and Savior.

But this Scripture tells us what Judas’ rebuke of Mary and his “alternative monetary strategy” was all about: greed and idolatry. Judas had found a way to justify his greed and his treachery and had rebuked others who didn’t contribute to his selfish and earthly fiscal strategy.

It seems that much like how the prodigal son is not only wonderful and redemptive story about a wayward son coming home, but also is just as much a cautionary tale to pharisaical “older brothers,” this passage in John 12 is not just about Mary’s incredible act of devotion and love, it’s also a warning. And while I suspect and hope that none of us have the traitorous and duplicitous intentions on the level of Judas Iscariot, it’s important to remember that we’re still very capable of this kind of thinking and reasoning. We are masters at twisting logic and constructing arguments to conceal our greed and idolatry. And we can fool everyone around us into thinking we’re being good stewards and doing good things for the kingdom.

But even if we aren’t embezzling money from a church or charity, we can still find ourselves building our own kingdom and using clever arguments to justify it. But the truth that this Scripture unequivocally conveys is that there is no use of our resources greater than pure devotion and sincere love displayed through sacrifice to the God who loves us, saved us and has adopted us. May we strive to put on Mary’s lenses, and not Judas’. May we consider God’s economy and the currency of heaven, not the ones of this earth. May we strive to be good stewards of our money and do as we are commanded to in helping and giving to the poor. But may we never fall into the idolatry that places a higher value on anything – whether it be our own greed or any earthly cause, however good it may be – than pure and sincere, self-sacrificial love for Jesus.

This year at Faith Driven Consumer™ (FDC), we’ve been fortunate enough to witness really exciting things. We re-launched at the beginning of the year and were able to quickly feature multiple new resources and content. We’ve had amazing support from our community. Whether it be through our Community Members staying up to date with our content and resources, or our Marketplace Members choosing to partner with us and save through the FDC Marketplace, we have been blessed with a wonderfully supportive and engaging community of Faith Driven Consumers (FDCs). We believe God has been working in all these happenings to continue growing this community so that we can accomplish everything we set out to achieve.

We aren’t done yet, not even close. And we need your help to make our community of Faith Driven Consumers a significant and impactful force for the kind of change our culture so desperately needs. If you’re up for it, we want to provide you with simple and easy ways to help our community continue to grow and flourish.

Get the word out. One of the easiest ways to get involved in growing the FDC Community is simply by telling others about who we are and what we do. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to make a difference because it’s a more personal and trustworthy interaction than most. We’re constantly being sold things through commercials, advertisements or promoted posts on social media. But when you hear from a close friend or family member about something they are passionate about, it goes a long way. Consider the different people in your life who would be interested in FDC as well as the content and resources we have; then consider reaching out or talking to them about it. If we get the word out in our various communities of like-minded friends, family, fellow church-members, etc., we’ll see a real growth spurt and an increased impact of our community will inevitably follow.

Sign up. One of the most effective ways you can help us grow is through signing up to be an official FDC member. You can sign up for free to become a FDC Community Member, and we’ll keep you up to date on all the exciting things happening at FDC. You’ll receive the weekly newsletter with updates and links to all new content and resources so that you can be fully informed and equipped to get out there and start making a difference as an FDC. You can also sign up to become an FDC Marketplace Member and take advantage of a vast platform of unlimited savings opportunities. If you become a Marketplace Member, you’ll pay a very small amount, either monthly or yearly (at a steep discount), and gain access to thousands of deals on travel, dining and millions of other things. When you sign up to become a Marketplace Member, you not only unlock significant savings potential, you also help us “keep the lights on” so we can continue facilitating this community of Christian consumers passionate about making a difference. Signing up, in either of the ways given above, is a great way to help us grow this amazing community and ensure it continues making an impact on our culture, increasing the reach and effectiveness of that impact more and more every day.

Take advantage of the FDC Marketplace. Another great way to increase the impact of our community is through utilizing the many deals available on the FDC Marketplace, which benefits you directly as well. If you have signed up to become a Marketplace Member, we are thrilled and so thankful for your support and partnership. But don’t stop there! You’ve done the hard part already and now you get to enjoy the perks of being a Marketplace Member. With a FDC Marketplace membership comes an almost endless stream of savings opportunities. All you have to do is remind yourself to take advantage of these deals by visiting the FDC Marketplace and clicking on the coupons for traveling, dining, shopping and more. And when you use these deals, you’ll not only become a better steward of your or your family’s finances by saving tons of money, but you’ll also enable us to demonstrate to businesses, brands and corporations that we are a community that is making a difference. That, in turn, will force the marketplace, and indeed our culture as a whole, to hear our voices, acknowledge our influence, and begin to adjust their corporate actions appropriately. Something as simple as saving a couple dollars at Domino’s is the kind of thing that, when we work together as a community, can make a significant impact.

Share FDC content on social media. We all know the power of social media. And oftentimes it seems that the bad outweighs the good on places like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. But one way in which you can do some good through social media is by sharing the various content and resources at FDC. Is there a particular blog you found interesting or encouraging? Was there an interview on season 1 of the Christians You Should Know Podcast that you found especially intriguing? Did you find out one of your favorite brands was scored ‘Compatible’ on the FEI? These are all great things to share with your friends and followers on social media. It’s also one of the best ways to increase our reach and influence as a community. So, if you find something at FDC helpful, interesting or encouraging, make sure you share it on whatever social media platforms you use. And we’ll be right there to thank you for your support and amplify your message.

These are just a handful of ways to help us continue to grow and extend our reach in the marketplace and culture. You don’t have to do all of them. You don’t have to do any of them. We’re honestly just happy that, at very least, you’ve made your way to our website and decided to read this blog. But if you’re interested in being a part of a community that is becoming a greater influence every day, and you’re interested in seeing this community grow and become a significant force for change in our culture, then we invite and encourage you to be a part of helping us flourish as a real instrument for transformation in our culture.

As the Olympics have been underway for the last couple of weeks, it’s been interesting getting a feel for how people are excited and engaged with this time-honored, albeit delayed, international competition including the greatest athletes in the world. I have been intentionally making myself aware of how it is being received and trying to decipher the differences, if any, there are in whether people are more excited and engaged, or if many Americans are less interested than usual, or even disillusioned with the entire ordeal. To be honest, I’m still figuring out how I’m feeling about it this year. And although I wouldn’t call myself an Olympics fanatic by any means, typically, I pay pretty close attention to it, watch many of the main events, and keep track of the medal count throughout. But I, myself, have noticed that I am viewing these Olympic games a bit differently than normal.

I could be off, but I suspect that I’m not alone in feeling differently towards this Olympics than in years past. My sense is that many are bringing varying personal and cultural feelings into their perspective regarding the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Maybe it’s the fact that these games are a year late, and it feels like a “make-up” event. Maybe it’s because, without fans, the atmosphere of the events, which usually features roaring crowds passionately cheering on their countrymen on the world’s biggest stage, is eerily quiet and makes for a lackluster scene. For some, maybe they find the whole thing too politics-adjacent and don’t agree with how national or international entities have handled issues like COVID-19 protocols, etc. Others may be disillusioned by various participants and the political statements they may bring into what they wish would remain as simply an arena for athletes to compete in various sports for their country’s honor. Conversely, it’s entirely possible that many are more enthralled than ever. Due to recent political and national division and strife, they may just be excited to put all that aside and simply be able to root for their country, its values, and its citizens on the world stage.

However you have been viewing the Olympics, I suspect that if your feelings are different than years past, it has something to do with the divided state of our nation and culture. You may be seeing the Tokyo Olympics as a much needed reprieve from the constant culture wars engulfing the nation, on the other hand you may think the Olympics have already become a casualty of these culture wars, polluted with the toxicity of the same issues. And whether that has made you excited about this year’s Olympic Games or has extinguished your enthusiasm about them altogether, I think that this cultural moment can teach us something profound – and deeply spiritual – about who we are as individuals, as well as members of various communities. Moreover, I believe it can teach us about who we are as sons and daughters of God and citizens of the kingdom of God.

The truth is, these past few years have been exceptionally destructive for the unity of Americans. One could argue that our nation and society are as divided as we have been since the Civil War era. We can’t turn on our TVs or scroll on our phones without being punched in the face with this fact, and we all feel the repercussions of this disunity. But one thing that all of this ugliness can teach us, if we let it, is that we desperately need community. We also need to understand why community is so important, as well as consider what kind of community we’re purposed for.

As Christians, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that we in America are increasingly divided. We are an increasingly secular nation whose values are becoming progressively divergent to those described and pre-scribed in the Bible. More importantly, we should also be able to explain why this division is so harmful to a society, and debilitating to the individual.

In the first couple of chapters in Genesis, we learn a few fundamental truths about humanity that give us a clear explanation for our deep-seated desire and need for community. First, we learn that God makes us in His image. How does this indicate the necessity of community? Because God is a community unto Himself. We learn that God is both one AND three. Therefore, before He ever created any angel, human or any other kind of creature, God experienced community unto Himself through the inter-personal nature of the Trinity.

Secondly, in Genesis chapter 2, verse 18, God declares that it is not good for man to be alone. So, although God had made man, and it was good, and there was no flaw within this creature, God said that something was missing. It was not good for man to be alone, and in order to reflect the image of God, he was to exist in meaningful relationships with both God and with others.

Now you might be thinking “But we do have communities. I mean, just look around. It seems like it’s nothing but groups and tribes and communities. There’s the LGBTQ+ community, the Black community, the Latino community, etc. There are Republicans and Democrats, and liberals and conservatives. There are even communities of football and basketball fans, and diehard college sports fans. So, don’t we have community? And if so, why are we so divided, isolated and disillusioned?” This a great question. But, while some of these various groups and communities may be well, good and natural, the Scriptures provide us the answer for why we are experiencing so much disunity and division, even when there has arguably never been more communities with which to be involved.

As is often the case in diagnosing our own problems as individuals and as a society, the answer to the problem involves the sin of idolatry. We humans are experts in making a good thing a God thing. The problem is not that we have found earthly communities where we come together around things like nationality, ethnicity, beliefs, or interests. The problem is that we have replaced our most fundamental identity and community with these earthly ones which pull us in every direction, tell us countless different things, but ultimately are fleeting and temporal.

The bible tells us who we are, and from start to finish, it declares that we are (1) family members of God as adopted sons and daughters, and (2) citizens of the eternal kingdom of God. When we forget these beautiful and fundamental truths about who we are, it distorts our perspective and causes all kinds of problems, both vertically and horizontally. When we forget that we are members of the family of God – a staggering and life-changing truth – then we will fail to treat God as the loving Father that He is. We will fail to see ourselves as His children and will struggle to rightly understand the privileges and responsibilities that accompany our adoption. Also, failing to understand ourselves as sons and daughters will have a negative impact on our community. When we don’t take this truth as the supreme one in our lives, we will find ourselves unifying around the wrong kinds of things. These communities and those things on which they are based, will ultimately fail to satisfy us or deliver the kind of joy and satisfaction that only comes from the community God has created us for.

When we start to understand these fundamental truths about who we are and what we were meant to be unified around, we can refocus our priorities and stop letting worldly tribes and earthly groups define who we are. We can stop depending on political or ethnic communities to provide us with the meaning and significance that can only be found by being a son or daughter of God, a brother or sister to other believers, and an eternal citizen of the kingdom of heaven. As we consider what the Olympics and this specific era in our nation’s existence are telling us, may we discover and destroy the idols of earthly communities we have erected as a replacement for the community of God. May we allow the division they have created to give way to unity, grace and peace that comes from being sons, daughters of the King and citizens of His kingdom.

This week we are going to briefly take a look at a few practical and simple tips that will help you become a more effective Faith Driven Consumer. Obviously, there are many aspects to being a good FDC, and we certainly couldn’t cover them all in one blog post. But, we’re going to try and cover the big ones that, if you employ, will help you begin seeing the world and participating in it in such a way that will maximize your impact. If we all did these few things a little bit better and a little more often, we believe we’d become a more formidable and effective community capable of making a real difference.

1. Become more informed about the brands you buy and the businesses you support. As with most endeavors in life, the more you know, the better you’ll do. Being informed is a crucial part of being an impactful FDC because it enables you more opportunities to purchase with a purpose and make decisions that have real consequences in the marketplace, workplace, and culture. Knowledge really is power (as the saying goes), and we want to be able to use the power we have as consumers to support brands which acknowledge, celebrate, and/or treat FDCs equally. We want to support brands that do it best and encourage those who don’t to start making the effort. But the truth is that without being equipped with the right information or sufficient information, we can only blindly participate in the marketplace. Without this equipment, at best, we aren’t using our leverage as a consumer to shape the marketplace, and at worst, we could be unwittingly working against our goal of creating a more faith compatible culture. Through staying informed and utilizing resources like the Faith Equality Index, you can ensure that you purchase with a purpose and leverage the marketplace in ways that truly make an impact.

2. Take advantage of every transaction and every interaction. There is a wonderful passage in 2 Corinthians where Paul is defending his ministry to the Corinthians. In that passage, he gives us a very helpful tip. In chapter 10, verse 5, he says that as Christians “we take every thought captive to obey Christ. (ESV)” It’s human nature to become distracted and lose sight of things. It’s also easy to become complacent or allow our daily routines to put us in cruise control. When this happens, we tend to see the purchases we make on a daily basis, and even the interactions with those from whom we are purchasing, as a mundane and necessary means to an end. But how often do we consider the importance of both our transactions and our interactions? How often do we consider the possibility that a trip to the grocery store, the bank, or the pharmacy is a real opportunity to make a difference as an FDC? As Christians we should be taking every thought captive. But not just our thoughts, but our actions too. In order to do as the Apostle Paul says and “obey Christ,” we have to seize every opportunity to make a gospel impact in the world around us. If we are going to become more effective FDCs, we need to start seeing every seemingly mundane interaction and transaction as real opportunity we can take captive in order to obey Christ and make a gospel impact.

3. Ensure your spending reflects your values and beliefs. Finally, we should make sure that we are spending our money in a way that glorifies God and reflects his supremacy in your life. We all know the verse… “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (ESV)” What are we spending our “treasure” on? A budget or a bank statement is a great way to evaluate the areas in which we have allowed idolatry to make its way into our lives. And an easy way to evaluate and remedy this is to take a good, honest look at how we are spending our money each month and work to re-align our spending habits in a way that reflects our love for Jesus and His commands. As FDCs, we have a lot to say to the world about what we believe and how we think our culture and the world of commerce should be conducting themselves. We have strong convictions and ambitious goals about transforming them into something more compatible with our biblically orthodox Christian faith. But how often do we take an honest look at our spending and ask what it is demonstrating to the world about who we are and what we love? One of the ways many of us can improve our witness and our effectiveness as FDCs is to make sure that our spending aligns with our beliefs and our values.

As we mentioned above, there are countless other important aspects to being an effective Faith Driven Consumer. But the truth is, most of the things that make you a better FDC, are just things that make you a better Christian. The only difference is an informed and deliberate emphasis on how we engage with the marketplace as Christians. So, apart from the handful of tips given above, if you want to be a better FDC, continue praying and reading God’s word, and then look for ways to apply it in your community so that you can have an impact on both individuals and multi-national corporations. If we apply these helpful tips, and take every thought and action captive, we’ll become more effective Faith Driven Consumers as we work to transform our culture and communities.

This past Sunday, while listening to a sermon, I was struck for the first time by the beauty of a passage of Scripture that I thought I knew pretty well. Does that ever happen to you? In your own bible study or in a sermon, do you ever encounter a verse or chapter that is familiar, but for some reason or another, just hits you in a new way? Maybe something new stuck out or you found something profound or beautiful in the passage that you had never interpreted or appreciated in that way before. This occasionally happens to me and when it does, I’m overjoyed and thankful. I’m also reminded that we have an infinite and inexhaustible God who has given us His word. And even though His word is contained within a book – one that begins with Genesis and ends with Revelation – the truth, beauty and depth of the Scriptures has no end and is likewise inexhaustible.

This week, I simply want to share this passage with you and pray that it will encourage you, comfort you, or stir you in the same way it did me when I encountered it afresh just a few days ago. As I said before, it is a familiar passage for me and it’s altogether likely that it will be for you, as well. But whether you’ve been reading and studying it for years, or this is your first time interacting with it, I believe you’ll find it encouraging and hopeful, specifically if you are enduring hardships or experiencing struggles, as many are in these difficult times. We are going to let the Scriptures do the most talking as we read the entirety of Psalm 46 and just briefly reflect on the beauty, truth and goodness contained in this God-inspired poem written during the reign of King David.

Psalm 46

            [1] God is our refuge and strength,

                        a very present help in trouble.

            [2] Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

                        though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

            [3] though its waters roar and foam,

                        though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

            [4] There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

                        the holy habitation of the Most High.

            [5] God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

                        God will help her when morning dawns.

            [6] The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

                        he utters his voice, the earth melts.

            [7] The LORD of hosts is with us;

                        the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

            [8] Come, behold the works of the LORD,

                        how he has brought desolations on the earth.

            [9] He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

                        he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

                        he burns the chariots with fire.

            [10] “Be still, and know that I am God.

                        I will be exalted among the nations,

                        I will be exalted in the earth!”

            [11] The LORD of hosts is with us;

                        the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (ESV)

What an equally beautiful and empowering truth about our God. The psalm is a triumphant declaration of the sufficiency of God in the midst of our own suffering or dismay. It tells us that God is with us and that He is the antidote to fear and troubles. He is our refuge and our strength. He is our refuge because when we are persecuted, betrayed or hurt by others, we can find security and love in Him. And when the nations rage or the earth trembles, God is in control and we can turn to Him for comfort. But He is also our strength, which means that when our biggest problem isn’t persecution or tribulation from without, but instead within, our own failures, shortcomings and weaknesses, we can rely on God to overcome or accomplish in us the things we couldn’t ever hope to overcome or accomplish on our own.

Lastly, the psalm reminds us that the nations that rage, the borders which earthly rulers have drawn, and the wars that are ceaselessly waged are ultimately not the home for which we are destined. We have a heavenly King who rules a heavenly city, which is unmoved by the futile efforts of man and the weapons man employs. The psalm says, “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” We are citizens of this holy city. Moreover, we are sons and daughters of the King because of Jesus’ saving work on the cross.

I hope that this psalm was as impactful and profound to you as it was to me. Maybe you encountered it afresh or truly appreciated the beauty of this ancient poem for the first time. But even if no such spiritual “Eureka!” occurred, as long as you dwell on the encouraging truth in this passage – the same passage that inspired Martin Luther to write “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” – then it will surely provide encouragement as you experience all that the world throws at you. Take a moment to quiet your heart and mind and do as God’s word implores you, “Be still and know that I am God.”