In an age where advertisements, infomercials, and branding continue to penetrate to even deeper levels of our existence, one should be asking the question “why?”. Everywhere I look an image is coming through, working it's way further into my life.
Jean commercials present a way of life founded on indulgence and a way a sharing moments with others of the same intent. Beverage scenes imply a state of happiness and camaraderie. Celebrity endorsements are the norm; I wonder if they actually purchase any life necessity. The list is endless; clothing, travel, appliances, cars, equipment, sneakers, and service providers. Each promises happiness, excitement, fulfillment, and satisfaction.
Do you or I have the courage to ask why? We know the answer is market share and profit.
Religion has fallen into the trap of product marketing. You listen to the pitch, driven by fear or pulling for happiness and success, and it leads one to suspect that this is not really their agenda. Why are they trying to add to their numbers? Is there any correlation between what they advertise and how they live?
Brands of all kinds are trying to control culture. They are looking for you and I to behave within a prescribed formula. Results are all that counts. Their target is numerical growth – profit, market share, or members.
My fear is simple. It is too easy for the rhetoric to catch you and I so that we lose sight of the heart of the questions. Why am I here? How can I get the most out of life?
Solomon found himself following the advertisements of his day. The result is that he lost all track of the plot. His words in the later years of life are relevant today. “Dear friend, take my advice; it will add years to your life. I'm writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I'm drawing a map to Righteous Road. I don't want you ending up in blind alleys, or wasting time making wrong turns.” (Proverbs 4.10,11)
Run not walk to God. He is the answer to every question.
