James Moore takes dead aim in Chapter 5 on society's "pranking" us by changing all the price tags and values in life. His story shows how it is hard to notice the changes in the "hurriedness" of our lives. The employees didn't notice the switched tags for four hours. Surely the customers knew that the prices were wrong, but chose to take advantage of the situation. One is a case of inattention and the other is a case of warped and unethical actions. Moore talks about: "They" change the price tags and values placed on things. The distorted values on the roles people play in our lives is a prime example. If the music is loud enough and the lights flashy enough, the concert tickets are very expensive. Yet, the music teacher in the school gets a pittance for their efforts. One situation gives an evening of ear-splitting emotion and the other instills a lifetime to love for and appreciation of music. The television programs have degenerated into a contest to reveal the lowest common denominator of human behavior. If what they are showing is reality, I prefer to live in another dimension. Moore asks a very pointed question. "Who broke into the store and switched the stickers..." Who decreed that vulgarity and bad language was funny? Do you agree with his assessment that humor, now, must be at someone else's expense? Cheap thrills bring the best price. Bonhoeffer says that the "Cost of Discipleship is not the result of cheap Grace." Paul states very clearly; that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."v. 13. How do we stand in the midst of the changing world around us and not be changed with it? Do we just accept and acquiesce to the noise about us? Should we be shouting back at the noise? I only remember one instance of Jesus raising his voice; yet, He had an impact on society then and now.
Moore offers some ideas for living in the middle of this time. We are called to live with purpose and meaning. John 3:17 clarifies the purpose of Jesus' coming. He didn't come to rail at and condemn the offenders, but to bring them salvation and grace. If all we ever are exposed to are the "realities" of the television and entertainment industry, will we be like Rapunzel? Do you remember what turned the world around for the Ugly Duckling? Suddenly, she realized that, not only, was she not a duck, but was a beautiful swan! The shows will make us think that the abnormal and obscene is normal and acceptable. Allowing them to shape our reality will detract from our purpose of revealing God's redeeming love to the world. The mirror does not reveal God's picture of us. The skin care and other products will not smooth away the wrinkled and withered inner nature. Are we to accept the values that are thrust upon us by a lazy and slothful society? The story of the magnificent team of horse illustrates what happens when we accept the lowered standards of society. We must know and follow the Master's voice; that, we hear over the din of society's call. "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. "John 10:3 If we listen often to God's voice, we can know and trust it to lead us in the right direction. Finally, Moore leads us to; not only. have purpose and trust; but to wrap everything that we do and are in the beautiful love of God. Without that love we can become as hardened and bitter as the witch that locked Rapunzel in the tower. Don't forget that Rapunzel saw her beauty only when it was reflected in the eyes of the prince. How do others see themselves in the reflection in your eyes?
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