Friday, March 16, 2012

Faith in Action Friday: Consider the Cost

In the Matthew 7:13 it says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." This verse has been in my head and on my heart lately. With the world becoming more blatantly rebellious everyday and the church buckling under the pressure to do the right thing.....it seems like a fitting verse to have at the ready.

There seem to have been many things in the news these last couple of weeks that have had our family rethinking what we buy, what we watch, and where we shop. We've had to consider the TRUE cost of our purchases and choices. We truly believe that everything we have is a gift from above......our money, our children, our home, our bodies.....and that God has entrusted us with those things to be good stewards. 

What I'm basically saying is every dime, moment, and thing that we have is Gods.

When I really start processing that fact, I really have to ask myself, "Would God physically go to the store and buy that product with HIS money?" "Would God physically sit and watch this show?" "Would God purchase this item and put it into His body?"

A few weeks ago, JcPenny announced that Ellen would be their new spokes person. Is Ellen funny? Yes! Is JcPenny my favorite store to shop at? Yes! Will I be shopping there any more? NO! The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord (Lev 18:22) and that means we can not support a company who throws opposing beliefs in our face!

This week I learned that Pepsi, Nestle, Kraft, and Campbell all have been working with a research group, Senomyx, to test their products. Many of these products are being tested on electively aborted babies.
Pepsi even went as far to say that they were only using the "gold standard" in research and that “We hope you are reassured to learn that our collaboration with Senomyx is strictly limited to creating lower-calorie, great-tasting beverages for consumers. This will help us achieve our commitment to reduce added sugar per serving by 25% in key brands in key markets over the next decade and ultimately help people live healthier lives.”

Well, come on people.....lower prices and a funny spokesperson, it's worth it to compromise!! A great tasting beverage in exchange for dumping your beliefs in the trash....that's not too much to ask is it???

I'm happy to report that Campbell listened to the outcry and has stopped using this company for research. But the other companies have made no changes in their research practices.

This news hit our family hard as God has really shown us the blessing that children are, that life is, and the sanctity of young and old. We cannot in good faith take God's money and spend it on companies that support the use of lives in this manner. So we will be boycotting these companies. It won't be easy, it will take extra effort and sacrifice, but isnt' that what being a Christian is all about???

I haven't seen anywhere in the Bible where is states being a Christian will be easy, a party(well wait until we get to those pearly gates) or a popularity contest! Jesus said, "They hated me first!" (John 15:18) "All men will hate you because of Me." (Matt 10:22a)
But the reassuring part that gives us peace in making tough decisions is...."But he who stands firm till the end, will be saved." (Matt 10:22b)


I've listed many of the companies who are using Senomyx and who are included in the boycott on the right side of my blog. Companies won't change their practices until the people demand change....will Christians stand up and be heard?

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