Identity Theft

Do you have that thing that overtakes who you are? Like it completely hijacks your thoughts and convictions. It's often referred to as an addiction, obsession or idol. I like to think of it as an Identity Theft. It can be something you think you need, to something that totally controls your very being. For me, at times, it's window shopping gone horribly wrong. But it always starts so harmlessly calm. A mere passer by, thoughts elsewhere. And suddenly...

SALE!!! 

Are clothes and shoes my obsession?

Sometimes.

I confess that I find great comfort in buying new boots.

I live for the rush of getting a pair of new jeans.

And if it's not clothes, it's products. I'm incessantly searching for a new natural organic skincare brand I haven't tried yet. 

(That one's not so bad!)

Does she have a problem, one may ask.

It's hard to admit to such an embarrassing concern. On the other hand, it's something that can remain somewhat untrue as long as it's unspoken. Right?? I wish I could keep it like that. Because then I can continue forming excuses and rationalising my need for this and this oh and this. 

Wait, what? Are you saying you don't enjoy new things? Oh! but you don't need them? 

When it starts to overtake your time, your thoughts and dominates in importance beyond all else. When it affects your emotions and begins to somehow define your true self...

My God, could this be an invasion? Yes an invasion of privacy. Mind your own business. 

Ok, but for real?

Sometimes, shopping is my Identity Theft. 

What's yours?

I am, of course, exaggerating. A little. Maybe. Not at all. Ugh. 

                                 (Continued below)

But all jokes aside, it actually is and can be a real struggle. And I think this is a true story for more people out there than we realise. The thing that bothers me most is how much

consumerism is a serious, but somewhat acceptable, problem in our society and how easily advertising works (on me at least). 

It's like you give up on everything you chose to stand for and believe in, the minute it comes up against your personal wants. It's naked selfishness and vanity camouflaged in pretty dresses and high-heels. 

But at the end of a long day, no matter the theft, the underlying question is the same in all cases:

In what or in whom does my identity lie and to what extent am I willing to sacrifice myselfish, in order to uplift those who really matter towards the One who matters most?

I've heard it said, that the more you say no, the easier it gets.

Im definitely not instigating that shopping is wrong. All I'm suggesting is, if it (or whatever your thing is) has become more important than other real important things, then maybe just check yourself. It could be an indicator of how your heart is doing. 

Or, maybe it's just me. 

“God be merciful and gracious to us and bless us and cause His face to shine upon us and among us–Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!– That Your way may be known upon earth, Your saving power (Your deliverances and Your salvation) among all nations. Let the peoples praise You [turn away from their idols] and give thanks to You, O God; let all the peoples praise and give thanks to You.”

Psalm 67:1-3 (AMP)