I’m not sure what you guys think regarding this topic. I post this because I realize the materialism of teenagers these days are getting out of control. Yes, certainly one cannot say that we do not need clothes neither does anyone be satisfied with wearing random pieces of cloth to cover them.
However, my stand is that “You WANT it, not NEED it”. Come on, think about it. Teens still schooling, wearing Fred Perry and contributing generously to the income of brands like Havaianas and Converse. Yes, maybe if you tell me that you do not have much clothes and want to wear what majority of the teens are wearing, fine. But if you have a whole wardrobe full of branded goods and still intend to splurge mindlessly, then you are wrong.
As I pondered over this topic, I came to a conclusion that the main problem really lies deep down. Ask yourself, you buy branded goods because it makes you feel good wearing them. They are expensive no doubt, hence, they are hard to get for teens at this age, who obviously haven’t tasted how hard it is earning money, or to strengthen this point, run a family. Many times, the main motive of buying goods goes beyond “beautifying” oneself. Showing off, feeling good, aren’t these what makes you buy unnecessary items?
In 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 it says:
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
See, if you build on the foundation that is Jesus Christ, which has already been laid for you, if you build your security on it, it will show! If you build your self-esteem on the solid foundation of Christ, it will show! Why build on worldly materials that do not last? You see a nice pair of converse, and you buy it because everyone else wears it and it makes you feel that you fit in, then you are placing your self-esteem and confidence on that pair of shoes! Will it last on it, No! because along the way, you see a pair of Vans. Yes, you feel you NEED to get it because everyone wears vans now and so converse, yes it still looks nice, but your circle of friends is wearing vans now so you NEED to get it. Does this glorify God? Are you a good steward of your own money? Are your priorities right? These are what I would ask before buying anything. What is your self-esteem and confidence based on today?
Next, yes you might tell me it’s your money and you earned it through part-timing and all. However, this ‘object’ might be your incentive to work but have you considered the fact that as you grow older, it isn’t about yourself anymore? You work to earn money because of the NEEDS of others, your family. How would you feel if your children’s NEEDS aren’t really NEEDS. There is a big difference. Try paying your home’s utilities bill for this months, along with your whole family’s mobile bills and food costs, then try getting that ‘object’ you want. Tell me it’s easy. You see where I’m coming from? Yes, it’s your money now, however, how long do you plan to spend thinking about your own desires?
Lastly, I don’t disagree that everyone wants to look good. However, simplicity is beautiful in the midst of complexity. If you walk pass a group of guys, all of them are dress with Fred Perry’s, Converse/Vans/TOMs, Levi’s/Deinizen/Zara jeans, carrying crumplers and other atas brand bags, except one dude, in simple jeans, shoes and a polo-T. Which one will catch your attention amidst all the attention grabbing goods? Think about it, simplicity is a form of beauty too. But more importantly, where you build your self-esteem is much more important. Nothing can shake the foundation that is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
