Babylon is a “Philosophy”
Most are familiar with the account of Daniel and his three close friends, Shadrack, Meshack, and Abed-Nego, who were purposely sought as captives at a young age, along with others, by Nebuchadnezzar to serve in his court. Studying this time of Babylonian history, we find Babylon lived extremely lavish, self-indulgent, self-absorbed lifestyles. Choice foods, youth, beauty, intelligence, no defects – you were prized and you “were in” – Daniel 1:1-5. Sound familiar? There appears to be a rhythmic, pulsating pattern of choices we face daily.
We don’t have to look far to realize that today we are surrounded by a Babylon in our own culture. Symbolically, a mental Babylon tidal wave is sweeping over us. We are engulfed in a sea of self-importance and narcissism through a host of venues that are subtly conditioning us that “it’s all about me” from the latest technology, to cars, to clothing, to food, even to coffee – why, we can get our coffee any way we like it. Isaiah 47:8, 10 declares that “in our hearts”, we say, “I am and there is no one besides me.” That was 740-680 B.C. Do we recognize what is happening – even in this economic downward spiral? Having “things” is not the issue – the issue is, as it’s been said, “Can we live in an excessive culture without becoming poisoned by it?” We may need to consider making an appointment with ourselves to detox.
Growing up in the 50’s/60’s, this fairly new twenty-first century where technology is growing at lightning speed, I find myself reflecting back and realized how I was blessed with practical parents who began their lives together on the heels of the great depression and who obviously picked up some living habits that were the after effects where “saving, patching, re-using, salvaging” were all they had come to know for survival. Not a lavish lifestyle.
Mother, God bless her, washed aluminum foil after she used it – then reused it. The purpose of reusing something was not on my radar, but saw it as normal. It’s rooted in the fact that if it will save you two or three cents, or dollars, down the road, you’ll make it. So, you guessed it – now, I wipe off and reuse aluminum foil, wash out and reuse Ziploc bags, save all sizes of plastic bags, clip coupons, and purchase 95% of my clothes at discount or consignment stores. A fetish or a “bargain basement” mentality? I think not. Choosing to be selective and prudent symbolizes good stewardship of what God has given to us. Unsurprisingly, the Babylonian lifestyle is a constant temptation in our culture. We are faced with choices every day. Can we say “No”? As contemporary women, the Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman is our example – pretty much covers it.
Mother could have been nominated the primary recycle/salvage queen before there was a name for it – or a “recycle bin” invented. My father was totally at ease getting his old shoes repaired than buying new ones. As a youngster, his family was poor and shaping a piece of cardboard placed inside of the bottom of his shoe was all he knew. What I then saw modeled was that I had my favorite shoes resoled and/or repaired.
By the way, where are those shoe repair stores now? They’re almost extinct and I question my own attitude – has it acclimated to this new Babylonian era? If I do find a pair of shoes that are heaven-sent, meaning comfortable, I must confess that I’m tempted to purchase two pair; rationale being – who knows what “uncomfortable” design will next come on the scene and then the “shoe hunt” begins again. Often, the newer styles just simply do not give your tired dogs the comfort they so desperately need, unless you own thirty minute shoes and choose to wear for image only. When your feet hurt, everything hurts. This is a humbling thing when one has had a dress-style of wearing gorgeous high-heels that went with every outfit. That would have been me. Hmmm!
Long before I wrote this and gave it deeper thought, I purchased two pair of shoes because I could and rationalized I deserved them. Entitlement? Yes! Did I need them? No! Were they stylish? Yes! When I arrived home and reflected upon my personal extravagance on a smaller scale along with the conviction from the Lord to re-consider, this question is ever before me:
Will I be indoctrinated by a Babylonian philosophy – or,
will I indoctrinate by preserving my own uniqueness and values with resolve?
Choices.
I made the appointment with myself, detoxed, and returned the shoes.
