How much sweeter life would have been if I had been what I am now becoming.  I can feel the change, although at times it seems very gradual.  I suppose that’s how God wants it to be.  We live in a world, particularly in developed societies, where waiting patiently for things is just not acceptable.  Even our technology centers on getting it good, getting it cheap and getting it NOW.

Microwave ovens can put out tasty, home-cooked meals in minutes.  Remote controls save time and energy from having to waddle over to the TV or other device in order to activate it.  Why go to the doctor’s office when your online medical advisor is just a click away?  The internet is the world’s largest shopping mall and flea market.  Screen possible mates on the web before you actually have to interact with them.  Instead of having to deal with our own problems, we can escape to an abbreviated version of someone else’s woes in a huge lineup of reality shows.  Drive-thru’s are everywhere and provide quick access to food, dry cleaning, tag renewals and your money.

I’ll be the first to confess to enjoying the conveniences, but have we begun to worship them?  George MacDonald said,

To have what we want is riches, but to be able to do without is power.

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If I should be quite honest here, I must put forth my reasons
For viewing money and it’s woes, it surely has it’s seasons
To buy or sell
I cannot tell
Denying would be treason

I know what having much feels like, I was an only child
Extra gifts, and food, and snacks — my life was far from mild
My Mom, my Dad
Gave all they had
My world they had defiled

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Move over, tacky trinkets in the Bible bookstore (Remember when they used to just have books?); make room for Virtue Perfume.  That’s right.  Now you can smell like a saint.  “God resides in the still, silent center that is us.”  That’s the catchphrase of California-based IBI, maker of the spiritual spray.

Drawing from New Testament texts, CEO Rick Larimore says that when Jesus ascended, we were then ecouraged to seek God (and Jesus) through the third person of the Trinity, The Holy Spirit.  He goes on to cite God’s formlessness and Jesus’ spiritualness as the basis for our connection with the unseen, but ever-present, stillness, that is our unity with the Godhead.  So the perfume, at $80 a bottle, helps to remind you of that stillness, combined with the “BEing”-ness of faith, as well as providing a scented environment for performing your “spiritual practices.”

I think I can relate.  I thank God every time I can enjoy a chili dog, with mustard and onions.  And the fragrance stays with me for hours, helping me to relive my culinary delight.  But seriously, though, what does an expensive dose of a nose-twitching fragrance have to do with virtues?  I’ve encountered many a woman (and not a few men) who smelled great, but were seriously lacking in the virtuous behavior department.

One thing is certain.  Make just about any product, and give it spiritual attributes, and Christians will flock to it.  They’ll wear it, read it, watch it, listen to it, eat it, drink it, stick it on their cars, or click on it.  And money is no object.  Maybe we’re trying too hard to identify who we are, when we really should be desiring to behave as who we should be.

When Jesus blessed the woman who poured expensive perfume on his head and feet, I don’t think he intended for the product to be packaged, distributed and sold as a testimony to her.  Let’s get real, people! 
Article
Christian Stuff
Virtue Perfume

We know where all that money comes from.  And we can see where it goes.  But how many people enjoy the bless-for-success experience?  Congress wants to find out, and I would assume that the IRS is watching the outcome.  Evangelist Benny Hinn is the first to cooperate with the Senate investigation.  Others, like Kenneth Copeland, are balking.  Personally, I have a problem with the pitchman approach to evangelism.  I picture the down-and-out follower or the elderly believer, who takes from his or her meager income to “invest” in the Lord’s work, with the promise of an outpouring of wealth, blessing or healing.  Then when they don’t get it, they are told that their faith needs to be stronger.  But ”God’s messenger” already has greater odds at getting blessed — with wealth, at least.
Article
Benny Hinn
Prosperity Gospel