The month of July is an interesting month here in The Netherlands. It beckons the end of summer and the arrival of fall. Towards the last week of July, one can start seeing the Halloween displays in stores, and “summer” is hoodie weather here or a lot of rain. It is also very interesting for ladies especially because upon walking the quaint cobbled streets in the city center, almost every store will have a huge poster saying “DISCOUNT, or SALE. These posters often will say, up to 70% off, and it’s a huge bargain for many, especially for those of us on a student budget.
The end-of-season sale will have anything from summer dresses to last year’s winter coats/jackets, shoes boots, and sandals, and it stretches to make-up and perfumes. For a girl, this season is very tempting, and I was also drawn to it, a lot!
Imagine seeing the price tag saying 80 euros (7800 rupees) and when you reach the billing counter, you end up paying half of it. It happened to me since I was earnestly looking for a laptop bag, and the actual price was 75 euros, and there was a 35% discount on the bag. As a result, I was a very happy consumer.
In such instances, it’s a win-win. However, this season takes a sinister turn, when we fall prey to the spirit of consumerism or materialism, and we don’t know when to stop.
The things we wear, buy, and invest our time and money can become our idols, in a subtle way.
Someone once told me, ask yourself, do you really need it, or want it?
The list of our wants is endless, but the list of needs can be limited.
I was really tempted this time, to purchase that really lovely-looking trench coat, or that extra pair of brand new sneakers, or some extra dresses, and knowing that it will stand out in my hometown, knowing that not everyone will have the same attire as I do. It became like a festering of greed, pride, and vanity all bottled in one jar of vice.
At one point I even purchased two new jackets, from a good branded store, it was all on SALE. My conscience however was crippling me so, I returned one the next day because I know that one will suffice.
I know that for now, I have enough clothes to cover me properly.
It is tempting no doubt, because of course everyone wants to look good and good clothes do enhance our looks and enable us to feel more confident. However, maybe sometimes, looking presentable is enough.
Our generation has produced the largest number of shopping malls, and the clothing retailing industry has an unlimited consumer order. The online services available for clothes, fashion, and consumer goods are endless, affordable, and appear to be constantly sold. Without naming certain brands or countries, we can assume where our clothes come from, and where they end up.
Maybe changing the tide will take time, but for today, we can discern for ourselves what and how much we consume/purchase, and ask ourselves, “Do I really need it, or want it?”
“The way you buy has a lot to do with the way you worship, and who you worship, and what you worship.” William Cavanaugh, Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire.
I haven’t yet read this book, but it is definitely on my list this fall. In the meantime, may we be content with our daily bread, and may the Holy Spirit enable us to be grateful believers.
Inspirations from,
Proverbs 30: 8-9
Matthew 6:19-34
Philippians 4: 11-13
Also on the evils of Fast Fashion and Land fields
Movie, Nocebo staring Eva Green.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLfNUD0-8ts
