Time Flies! Life moves at warp speed it seems. We rush here. We rush there. But, what are we rushing after? Join us today at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to read all the thoughts on the prompt, “Rush”.
Back in the early 90’s (a time when bangs and plaid were obviously popular) my sisters and I got together on every Black Friday to shop till we dropped. Back then, it was the only time stores had big sales and so on Thanksgiving night we’d sit on the floor with all the ads spread out around us looking for the items on our Christmas wish lists. Once we knew where to find the lowest prices it was time to make our game plan which usually went a little like this: Donuts, shop, lunch, shop, cookies, shop, drop.(HaHa! Food played an important part in these shopping trips-extra energy, you know!) With little sleep, we’d rise bright and early Friday morning and having our checkbooks, coupons, and lots of coffee in hand, we’d rush out the door to find the best deals of the day!
The game plans to save have changed a little since the days of our sisters’ shopping trips. Now, tents are set up outside stores as customers line up to be the first ones to claim their item at a lower price. Some people drive extra miles to save a few cents on gasoline while others search the internet for coupon codes before they shop. We’re drawn to a “lowest prices of the season” sale like moths to a light and removing that sticker to reveal “30% off” encourages us to buy more since we’re saving so much!
It’s true. We are dedicated to saving these days and sometimes it makes it easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest deals the world offers, too. Buy this and you will look better, do this and you’ll finally feel like yourself, or try this and your problems will seem to disappear. Sound familiar? (Think slithery voice) Yes, the world tries to sell us on ways to save…..save ourselves, that is.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved……For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:4-5,8-9 (NIV)
So the next time we find ourselves flitting from one sales tactic of the world to another or making a game plan to save ourselves before we drop, we need to remember Black Friday. Not the day after Thanksgiving, but rather the Friday when darkness fell across the whole land as Jesus was crucified for you and me. When we rush to the One who saved us, we receive the best deal of our lives (it’s free), no one can beat His offer (His life), and His saving benefits are beyond compare (forgiveness of our sins). And the best thing? There are no returns (we’re His eternally)! Let’s not let the world sell us on anything less!
You have captured our culture. I like the way you moved on to the real black Friday. We always benefit when we turn our eyes to Jesus and God’s promises. Visiting from FMF.
I’m afraid I have to redirect my eyes sometimes but being focused on Jesus changes everything! Thank you for your kind words and for stopping in. Have a wonderful weekend!
It amazes me how much effort people put into being first at the sales! It’s true though, the world does try to make us think we can save ourselves. So important to remember it’s only through Jesus!
Isn’t that the truth Leslie! They even hurt each other just to be first! Crazy! It’s the way of the world now. Thank goodness Jesus saved us from it all! Thank you for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it! Enjoy your weekend!