Recommended

From the cover:

"A growing number of people are disturbed by the values exhibited by the contemporary church. Worship has become entertainment, the church has become a shopping mall, and God has become a consumable product. Through Scripture, history, engaging narrative, and the inspiring art of Vincent van Gogh, The Divine Commodity explores spiritual practices that liberate our imaginations to live as Christ's people in a consumer culture opposed to the values of his kingdom. Each chapter will open your eyes to how consumerism has distorted our faith and equip you to live differently. The Divine Commodity articulates what so many have been feeling and offers hope for the future of a post-consumer Christianity."

I highly recommend Skye Jethani's The Divine Commodity to you. Here are a few excerpts to chew on:

"Rather than putting on a 'Tommy Hellfighter' t-shirt, a 'Got Jesus?' bumper sticker, or 'Jesus is my Homeboy' underwear, why not follow Paul's advice and focus our energy toward putting on 'compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience'. This is how our identity is revealed, not by the brands we display, but by faith working through love. Jesus said, 'By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another'. Christ's true people are branded with love." (p. 59, The Divine Commodity).

"Jesus wasn't driven by impact. His desire wasn't to attract an ever-increasing crowd of people. In fact, episodes like the events of Holy Week and his teaching to the crowds (John 6) reveal a Jesus who intentionally weeds out those who are attracted to him for the wrong reasons. Something as rudimentary as assembling a crowd was a goal far below his calling. Late night television has proven that a man crushing a beer can on his forehead can draw a crowd. A two-liter of Diet Coke and a pack of Mentos mints can draw a crowd. For Jesus impact did not define legitimacy; bigger was not intrinsically better." (p. 164, The Divine Commodity).