As humans, we have a tendency to consume.
It comes naturally. We’re hungry, so we eat. We’re thirsty, so we drink. We need clothes, so we shop. We love reading, so we buy books. We feel anxious, so we sit on the couch and binge-watch Netflix.
Some consuming is necessary and even good, but too much consuming can slow us down and keep us stuck. Too much eating and drinking can fatten us up and endanger our health. Too much shopping can get us in debt. Too much reading (if there is such a thing) can separate us from the real world. Too much Netflix can rot our brains.
Consuming only gets us so far. We have to come to the point where we realize that producing is even more important.
Someone out in the world needs what you have to offer.
You can make them a meal, give them some of your money, give away the books you’ve already read, get off the couch and go visit someone.
Instead of endlessly scrolling through Facebook to see what everyone is doing, you can take a minute to private message someone and let them know you’re thinking of them.
Instead of spending an extra hour watching another show on Netflix, you can write (an actual letter!) to a friend.
You can practice an instrument and play at a local nursing home to cheer up the residents there.
You can make a card and send it to someone going through a difficult time.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to producing new things for the benefit of others…and I can almost guarantee that you’ll feel great when you do.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests [consuming] but each of you to the interests of others [producing].” (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV – Brackets mine)
Do you think you consume too much? How can focusing on God help you to move toward producing more often?