LOUD TVs
One of my personal peeves, when I am watching TV, is when the volume suddenly goes up when an ad comes on?!?! It is as if the commercials are shouting for my attention.
The reality is that the TV, radio, and even the internet are always shouting, telling us what to think and feel. Companies spruik their worldly wisdom:”the most important person in the world is you” (National Mutual) ; “because I’m worth it” (L’Oreal); “want to be above the crowd” (Re/MAX Real Estate); “Live Big for Less” (Big W); “Have it your way” (Burger King). Such slogans breed bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, and boasting in fashion, food, and property bringing disorder to people’s lives.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3)
As Christians we must offer our world some of God’s counter wisdom. Let us live by the Spirit and refresh the world with gentleness, mercy, sincerity, and meekness. Let your quiet lives drown the sound of loud TVs!
Denis Oliver