Out of Context: Rick Warren | Out of Ur | Following Gods Call in a New World
“The American church as a whole needs to move from selfish consumerism to unselfish contribution. Those are poles apart. To start with a woman whos most interested in how many diamonds shes got in her tennis bracelet, and move her to sit under a banyan tree holding an AIDS baby- thats a giant leap. People in this culture are trained to think about me, me, me; Ive got to do whats best for me. Even when we go to church we have this consumer mentality.”
A blog about present and future church, contemporary culture, intercultural dynamics, and the implications of Jesus' Gospel of the Kingdom in today's context. 
Wow, this is a great quote.
I believe it is a fantastic question, yet, not to dwell too much on the, ‘hey we are consumer Christian’s aspect’ but rather on the actual behavior.
How do we move from not buying that diamond bracelet, boat, second-third car, better laptop etc… To actually using our wealth, time, assets to empower and bless those moving into and towards the Kingdom of God???
Not that everyone will hold aids babies in Africa, but that our lives would revolve around Christ and our earthly efforts would show such, where ever it is that God has placed us.
How do our friends know us? Are we known for our cool car? Nice camera? Amazing sound system? Sweet looking tatoos? Fancy homemaker projects? And the list goes on and on. Are we known for our passion for Jesus?
Another interesting thought… I had a young mi$$ionary come visit me a few days ago. He just arrived in India from Bible College where he had been studying Acts last semester. One of the first issues that struck him was the stark contrast of the present day Church the early Church as they ‘shared their belongings and such’.
I think we are so far from that place that we cannot even ask the question in today’s Body. To even suggest it would be ludicrous and out of line with the existent Church Culture and Practice. What does that say about our faith and discipline in putting Christ above all things?
I am glad you have posted on it, yet I realize its implications can be intrusive and frightening to most. I would love to hear the thoughts of others on this…
What I find interesting is that the quote comes from a guy who has seemingly induced much of the consumerism of which he attempts to prophetically speak out against! I mean how many Purpose Driven products are there to appeal to the lady who needs another diamond in her tennis bracelet?
I really don’t care WHO says it, at least somebody’s sayin’ it! I completely agree with the statement. I believe part of the problem is that we no longer recognize Jesus. We, the church, have painted an inacurate portarait of His life, His teachings, His values, His approach to people, etc. We have bought into this “counterfiet portrait” of Jesus to the point where now we can’t even accept truth when we hear it. You know, the religous leaders of Jesus’ day didn’t recognize Him either. Maybe, people are more concerned about their diamond bracelets because for decades now, that’s the Jesus the church has been propagating? [Name it claim it. You shouldn't associating with unsaved people. Pushing offerings to pay for our big buildings.] Why does it surprise the leaders of the body that people are focused on all the wrong things, when the church itself has been focused on all the wrong things? Now, that’s a hard pill to swallow, but if we’re honest with ourselves we all have to own up to the situation if we’re going to change it.
Keep up the good work! By putting these kind of topics out there you are provoking us to rethink and discuss what we do, and why we do it. That’s what the church needs today. I believe the Holy Spirit has been stirring up the body, and new “artists” are being raised up to paint a true “portrait” of what Jesus really looks like in a world that desperately needs a Savior. And this Jesus doesn’t wear any diamond studded bracelet.
Stephen, you had up until the better laptop bit… JK! I agree!
Sam, I have never read any of the purpose driven stuff (I probably should) but I am a fan of what Rick and Kay are doing highlighting, for a number of years now, the church’s responsibility related to the AIDS crisis. I may not follow his ecclesial model, but I can’t be upset that people want to buy and read his purpose driven stuff. Hopefully, if he keeps it up, the people that buy and read his stuff will start questioning the “diamond tennis braclet” lifestyle and get more involved in holistic missions work. (Perhaps Rick should add a book to his purpose driven series on this topic?)
Rick, Great to hear from you! I like what you said about painting portraits of Jesus. Thanks for the encouragement!
B