Have You Fallen for This?
Retail stores have specific ways of getting us to spend more money. I’ve entered a store with a short list, and have walked out of the store with almost a full cart.
What happened? I fell for the gimmicks; that’s what happened!
What are the tricks?
They’re strategic about store layout.
By creating wide, uncluttered aisles, you have time to decompress from the world you just left before entering the store. And by
placing essential items toward the back of the store, you’re “set up” to walk through other alluring items to catch your attention
They play psychological pricing games.
For example, an item priced at $9.99 instead of $10, just seems like a much better deal . . . even though the difference is only a penny.
They influence us with product placement.
Have you often noticed that name-brand, higher-priced items are placed at eye level and are easy to reach, while lesser-known brands and more affordable products are positioned higher or further back and harder to access?
I’m grateful Jesus doesn’t use gimmicks to lure us into following Him.
He’s a Savior who tells it like it is:
“If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.
And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
But don’t begin until you count the cost.” (Luke 14:25-28 NLT)
Jesus didn’t sugarcoat things, did He!
Sadly, some folks today are looking for Christian gimmicks.
“Which church will avoid talking about sin, so I’ll feel good about myself?”
“What church won’t ever talk about financial needs?”
“Which pastor will never spiritually step on my toes?”
“I don’t really want to be challenged. I just want to sit among friends and be comfortable.”
This isn’t the gospel of the Bible.
Dear Jesus, thank You for telling it like it is! May we never fall prey to gimmicks or become spiritually lukewarm. Keep us from settling for less.
You are loved!
Susie
