It has translated into the online dating culture. People [probably you] believe that they can register with an online dating site and it would be like a grocery store. You walk in, pick what you want off the shelf and then leave.
But because it is not a grocery store, frustration sets in and you begin to lose hope. No matter where you go, people are people! The anonymity of the internet does not erase who we are as human beings and our cultural persuasions. Because of my ethnic background (the be CLEAR, ethnicity does NOT equal race but in fact cultural persuasion!) I value the sociable aspect of life over all, even where relationships [platonic or otherwise] are concerned. So my approach is friendship first [or only].
What is my point you wonder? I see too many people with the grocery store mentality, who forget that people are not a commodity and that life is not picking your preferred item off a shelf! The corporate sales pitch has become gospel and "the customer is always right". We forget that there is more to the life than bread and more to the body than raiment... The world is not at your finger tip and the internet would have you believe. The world is not yours. You cannot get wings buy drinking redbull. That "to die for" refrigerator will NOT make you morning less chaotic! I can go on and on about the sales pitches some people [unknowingly or otherwise] hold as gospel.
It is a LIE! Know thyself! (that's my commandment/mantra) and stop believing everything you see on t.v. and being swept by every wind of doctrine (in this case CULTure) that passes by! The bible is a guide to life. NOT a dogmatic consolidation to control the masses. NOT a patch job for our already existing belief systems and self truths. It is a timeless foundation whose concepts are liken unto a man who build his house on a rock!
I think the impression of living in a fast food drive through/one stop shop/instant gratification culture leaves on us is a low attention span and even perpetuates difficulties in how to build and maintain trust and respect in the interactions we have with others.
Attatching status' and brand names to things and going along with the notion that this is better than that because everybody else thinks so. And labeling people as "the surfer dude/chick" or "the redneck chick/guy" because it's more convenient and safer to not dig any deeper and make a connection or understand or relate beyond that because it would make us uncomfortable. And why be uncomfortable when you can get what you think will make you happy by moving on to the next thing.
The result is treating people like items at walmart, rather than human beings with feelings and emotions and value.
What you say times how many times you say it makes your message more effective. Unfortnately we are BOMBARDED with messages that say "If you buy this then you'll be happy!" The sad thing is, almost everybody buys it without question. When was the last time you heard that the only way to a enriched, fulfilling, and meaningful life is in the love and kindness you show others?
I think the author of this post has well articulated the point as regards "Consumerism". It has really become a tragedy to see what the human psyche has been degraded to today generally because of the mass media, and what we call popular culture (which really stems from the views/opinions/lifestyles/philosophies of a few influential ones).
The unsuspecting public (people like you and I) are victims of the COUNTER-culture which represents the antithesis of core, biblical, moral and godly values and standards which many of our western societies are founded upon.
With the barrage of this untenable kind of "information" through the mass media, we subconsciously develop an "unnatural" appetite for it, as we submit to its influence bit by bit thereby compromising the foundation that was instructed IN us from young.
It's unfortunate that God's ORIGINAL, long-lasting standards have been challenged by errant culture which essentially declares that "You really do not need God anymore, you can be your own".
It's also SAD to see that many on this site (and generally so too) are "christIANS" as opposed to "CHRISTians". Somebody say wrong emphasis?? hmph!! Religion as opposed to Truth.
Because humans are the way we are, sin comes naturally.... and usually people "go with the flow" (so to speak) ...and do not try to overcome ungodly, sinful influences that come by the WORLD, the FLESH and the DEVIL.
We must, like the salmon, swim against the tide of popular culture and obey God through his son, WORD OF GOD himself... JESUS!!!
This site is great, but unfortunately, it wreaks with those who ultimately have a selfish agenda (great profiles, great pics, charismatic expression too). But I urge, the foundation of true CHRISTianity is LOVE... "You cannot say you love God who you can see, but despise and use those who you can see".
:stop: THIS IS MAINLY FOR THE MALES ON THIS SITE :stop:
God is no fool. His word is settled. Treat people with respect and honour. Don't play with people's hearts! and like the author said, this is no grocery store where you can pick-up and lay down as you please...
Jesus gave his life for people and YOU better be mature enough to go past your animalistic cravings and respect them!!
