Discuss 2 Nephi 9:51
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 2 Nephi 9:51
Thoughts Anyone?? If so, please do tell.
Suggested verse by Brian Duffin. Thanks Brian.
No, this is not a celebration of obesity. I was recently cotemplating how I spend my time as a Church member compared to as a nonmember. Before, I spent a huge amount of time in sports bars thinking about various teams and other things I should not have been thinking about. It never crossed my mind to do service for another person. Now, of course the sports bars are gone, but most importantly I perform service for others several times a week. I feel like I’m eating the good food of the Lord much more these days.
We are a consumer oriented culture – although the recession is changing that somewhat. Further far too much of our purchases are “keeping up with the Jones” in some weird High School like quest for social signs of elitism. Or worse yet, a desperate attempt to fill an emptiness in our lives which they can never fill. (Horders being the worst of this – although that’s probably a mental illness most of the time) But the compulsive shopper business always struck me as odd – especially because doing charity work instead would be far more self-fulfilling.
Geoff- what lovely thoughts. Service is fulfilling. Sometimes I grouch about it in my heart, but after the service is filled it is kind of like after you exercise. It feels good.
Clark- I think “keeping up with the Jones” is the fatal flaw in American society. I think we are in our current situation because of it.
Hoarding is providing for security. Hoarding is food storage gone compulsive. My daughter Hong Mei hoards. It is leftover behavior from her orphanage years. We have a joke at our house. We say, “When Hong Mei grows up, she will be the food storage specialist in her ward cause she has a testimony it.”
Compulsive shopping is a thrill (not that I would know).
My thoughts:
I think maybe the cartoon is supposed to be a critique of capitalism, or somtething. But I think it’s the opposite; Calvin’s attempts to sell a bad product at a high price utterly fail. It doesn’t matter how selfish or unreasonable he may wish to be, the only way he can make any money is by serving his customers and offering a good product at a low price. Thus the market system works just like Adam Smith said.
On the other hand, it does function as a critique of government involvement in the market. (His Mom will probably say no to the subsidy, but in the real world we are often not so lucky.)
No Bastiat- Your analysis is spot on. Government Subsidies are a problem.
I find that I am much more careful about what I spend my money given the current economic conditions. With an emphasis on home storage, savings and provident living, I think this scripture is applicable and worth reading prior to making any big, non-essential purchases.
My family would love “Rock Band” for our Wii, but perhaps that money would be better spent on home storage items and other essentials.
Truth be told, I don’t think we have seen as tough an economy as now exists. What we are seeing now is probably the calm before the storm. We have been counseled to prepare for a day of want. I think it is wise counsel.
Clark, I think the filling of emptiness is a huge part of consumerism. Great point.
My burrito from Rubios filled my emptiness. Does that make me evil? 😉
No Brian, Just full of beans.
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