Author: Guy Micholic
Another Black Friday come and gone, but not without its expected displays of mindless mob violence and group insanity. Even reports of murder are coming forth: A CBS affiliate in New Jersey stated that a shopper was shot and killed outside Macy’s department store at Atlantic City’s Hamilton Mall. Also, dozens of shell casings were scattered around an SUV in the parking lot. The vehicle was peppered with bullet holes. Reno Nevada had a taste of the shopping day madness where a shopper was shot to death over a Walmart parking spot. In a statement to a CBS reporter one shopper said, “ It’s a tragedy, it’s scary you know, you’re starting off the holiday season and you’re excited about the upcoming times with family and now there’s going to be family who are missing people and their holidays will never be the same”. The list of reported incidents are still forth coming, revealing a dark trend that will certainly leave a scar in the analogs of American history.
Hosea 4: [1] Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
[2] By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.
Most folks behave in a decent manner during these shopping frenzies but there is a growing number of those who think nothing of engaging in sub-human behavior in order to acquire that special purchase. Like caged wild animals, they burst though doors, trampling each other for an opportunity to save a few dollars on their desired item. Add to this the shootings, beat downs, stabbings and vehicular assaults, and it amounts to nothing more than pagan ritualism personified. Why would any Christian choose to be counted among the masses of people who behave in such manner?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLeMnVJaT6o
What an embarrassing display of shallow self-indulgent mayhem. It’s safe to assume that the various protests going on across the country were in short supply of a violent fringe on this Black Friday. It’s a shame that “wisdom and discernment” aren’t marketable commodities, for much violence, shame and grief could have been avoided.
When I was a child there was always a spirit of love and joy surrounding holidays such as Thanksgiving. People were generally courteous toward one another. It was common behavior for young people to open doors for the elderly, giving them the special consideration they deserved. Many families didn’t even lock the doors of their house when leaving. Neighbors shoveled sidewalks and driveways after a heavy snowfall for each other, such a contrast to what we’re witnessing in society today. I can’t pinpoint exactly when society changed, when greed and lust became a stronger influence than humility and grace. It must have been a gradual transition orchestrated by an insidious power. Anyone in my age group has to notice the change, and to say that it is disturbing is an understatement.
Mathew 5: [13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
For those of us who know that things are in decline and desire to see sanity reintroduced to our society, we must make a conscious effort to be the example! Instead of compromising and just going with the flow, we must illustrate the stark contrast between darkness and light. We must be the light. Let us not be consumed with selfishness and greed. Let us not partake in the gluttonous behavior that appears to be possessing people like some unclean spirit. If God fearing people all across this land don’t stand up to be the salt and light that He desires us to be, society will fall! It will fall hard! God has given us the signs in advance, there will be no excuses.
Let the grip of consumerism fall off of you like water from a duck’s back. Realize that your possessions are not the sum toll of your worth, that having the best of everything does not make you a better person. The less you focus on your belongings, the faster God can shape you into the person He desires you to be.
Jude 1: [17] But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
[18] How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
[19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
[20] But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
[21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
[22] And of some have compassion, making a difference:
[23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
[24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
[25] To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
