Overpowered Again by Amazon Prime Days
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ”
It is a couple of days past the annual Amazon Prime Days. I tried so hard not to get sucked into its vortex, but I was too weak, like every year. However, a 60% off deal on pots and pans was too shiny and inexpensive to pass up. I have a love/hate relationship with the fabulous sales event. I worry about justice issues of workers being underpaid and overworked to provide me such savings. Even worse is the euphoria of getting a good deal. I’ve read that a sale like this gives off the same emotional response from gambling.
Addiction is a disease, but it is also a form of idolatry. When we feel a “need” for anything, it can become an addiction that can compete for attention usually reserved for God. For the two days of the Prime Days deals, I’ve had to intentionally stay away from the Amazon website to keep from being tempted. Whenever temptation is so intense it keeps us from focusing on other activities, we should address it.
The euphoria from a purchase or any other mundane activity should force us to reflect on what is missing in our lives, necessitating a desire for gratification. Whenever there is that unusual desire, we should ask ourselves a few quick questions: What is making me hunger for a purchase? Did I long for this item for a while, or is it impulsive? Is there a healthier way of addressing the desire? Does this purchase match my values as well as my available dollars?
Intentionally addressing these questions can determine the difference between a need, a want, and an unintentional emotional hunger. There is nothing wrong with an occasional unnecessary purchase. However, it becomes problematic when we begin to meet our emotional needs through buying items. Today, pray for God to find new ways of meeting our emotional needs to regain control of our spending. Debt can quickly control our lives. God is the only one who should have such power over us.
