AFFLUENZA n. 1. a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more. (de Graaf, 2002). 2. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses. 3. An epidemic of stress, overwork, waste and indebtedness caused by dogged pursuit of the American Dream. 4. An unsustainable addiction to economic growth.
I came across this word in my sermon research concerning coveting. It is interesting that we do not see ourselves as coveting any longer. I had to think about that for some time. Why do we not see that? Well, back in the days most homes, furniture, luxuries, etc... were hand made. Thus if we wanted what our neighbor had, it would be unique a one of a kind. But today we have box stores and mass produced homes. So, if we like something someone else has, we do not think of trying to get if from them. We tend to think about what store has the item and we then take our piece of plastic and charge it. Whether or not we have the money for it or not. But, because we did not steal it and our desire is satisfied, we think we are free from this sin.
Our culture of consumerism has only masked this problem and we all now suffer from Affluenza to some degree or another. I need to take preventative measures so I do not keep on developing a case of Affluenza. It is difficult right now with all those sales posted on the Internet, TV, and Newspaper! I need a little shot of contentment to keep my credit card free from guilt!
Philippians 4:11-13 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. (NLT)
I came across this word in my sermon research concerning coveting. It is interesting that we do not see ourselves as coveting any longer. I had to think about that for some time. Why do we not see that? Well, back in the days most homes, furniture, luxuries, etc... were hand made. Thus if we wanted what our neighbor had, it would be unique a one of a kind. But today we have box stores and mass produced homes. So, if we like something someone else has, we do not think of trying to get if from them. We tend to think about what store has the item and we then take our piece of plastic and charge it. Whether or not we have the money for it or not. But, because we did not steal it and our desire is satisfied, we think we are free from this sin.
Our culture of consumerism has only masked this problem and we all now suffer from Affluenza to some degree or another. I need to take preventative measures so I do not keep on developing a case of Affluenza. It is difficult right now with all those sales posted on the Internet, TV, and Newspaper! I need a little shot of contentment to keep my credit card free from guilt!
Philippians 4:11-13 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. (NLT)
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