Have you ever seen those old videos of Beetles concerts, where audience members are crying and coming undone over four men they've never met? Do you ever wonder why? What those kids in the audience are doing is giving over their deepest affections, bought by mere advertising of people who aren't deeply invested in their well-being. There are industries built on this kind of people-buying.
There are even relationships built on it. We allow people access to our deepest secrets when we barely know them, or we feel a "connection" that may merely be the result of loneliness. Sometimes, we have developed a wrong idea of who someone is, based on what we know of their culture or profession. We may fancy that businessmen are responsible, wealthy people are smarter, beautiful women are kinder, or any other manner of presumption.
There are even relationships built on it. We allow people access to our deepest secrets when we barely know them, or we feel a "connection" that may merely be the result of loneliness. Sometimes, we have developed a wrong idea of who someone is, based on what we know of their culture or profession. We may fancy that businessmen are responsible, wealthy people are smarter, beautiful women are kinder, or any other manner of presumption.
But, why? A world filled with manipulative imagery hi-jacks our ability to understand our spirit's needs. We watch movies and listen to music based on top-40 lists and Oscars. We wear clothes based on trends and develop a sense of "attraction" based on what is familiar. We may even base our experiences of certain cities and cultures on media portrayal of those people and places. It sounds obvious, but check to see if this isn't part of your decision-making process.
There's no shame in seeing the world this way. But there is peril if we don't let ourselves notice so we can change it. Your affection is a precious commodity not to be spent lightly. If you give it away, you forfeit a life of unfathomable love and true depth! You'll accept people, jobs, and so-called adventures that don't hold personal meaning to you. And of course, you open yourself to those who cannot value you fully.
If you find yourself moved by trends, take stock of why. There's nothing wrong with this, in itself, but make sure you are coming from a place of freedom. If not, take some time to get to know the unique heart God put in you. Then you can give your affections only to the right people and the right things. A glorious and full life awaits you!
There's no shame in seeing the world this way. But there is peril if we don't let ourselves notice so we can change it. Your affection is a precious commodity not to be spent lightly. If you give it away, you forfeit a life of unfathomable love and true depth! You'll accept people, jobs, and so-called adventures that don't hold personal meaning to you. And of course, you open yourself to those who cannot value you fully.
If you find yourself moved by trends, take stock of why. There's nothing wrong with this, in itself, but make sure you are coming from a place of freedom. If not, take some time to get to know the unique heart God put in you. Then you can give your affections only to the right people and the right things. A glorious and full life awaits you!
No comments:
Post a Comment