Black Friday Mentality

When it comes to life and faith, most of us have a black Friday mentality.

So many folks spent last week plotting and planning their strategy for black Friday. They scoured the newspapers for coupons and deals. They compared notes. They rested ahead of time.

Then on Thanksgiving morning, the stakes got even higher. Final plans were cemented and allegiances were made. Midnight rolled around and the bravest got started. If you live in the north like I do, you’re a bit down on your luck when it comes to the weather cooperating. But at least this year it wasn’t snowing. Many lined up in parking lots waiting for that one store to open. Eyes were focused, minds were set, and nothing, I mean nothing could stand against the mission ahead.

And so the early morning hours rolled. Some got injured in the process. But most were just thankful to get a deal – any deal. Some things that were purchased were needed, but others were not. As long as there was a deal, the mission seemed worth it.

I’ve been exploring this black Friday mentality with many of my friends who were front liners in it. I still don’t get it. But I’ve started to understand that most people have a black Friday mentality when it comes to most things in life.

People are willing to put in the work as long as they get something back in the process. If it’s a deal, folks are in. It doesn’t even matter what the mission is. The point is to get a deal and make it good. Did I need that extra Nintendo? Doesn’t matter. It was on sale. Did I get what I actually went out to buy in the first place? Don’t ask silly questions. I found something else instead, and it was on sale. Did I really save as much money as I thought I would? Who cares…I saved some.

Just give me a deal, and make that a black Friday deal.

Black Friday mentality has invaded our thinking in every area of our lives including life and faith and things that matter most.

Are you really going to marry that man? Well, yes. He pays for dinner most of the time, and his 401K is real good.
Do you really think this church is the best choice for you? You betcha. I get a good laugh when the preacher preaches, and they have free coffee in the lobby.
Do you honestly believe that smiling dude on TV? Of course I do. He’s promised me a big house with a big yard if I follow the rules.

And on and on it goes.

The call to follow Jesus Christ stands in opposition to a “what can I get out of it” mentality. In Luke 9:23-24 Christ says these words:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

Death. Denial. Sacrifice.

Not necessarily a black Friday mentality. No immediate gratification. No short term benefits. No promise of comfort or gain or personal fame.

The strategy is simple: accept Christ. No standing in line or walking on coals for it. No work whatsoever on your part.

You may never get rich.

But you may gain your life.

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