In his book, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, Richard Foster points to many of the good things that technology and quicker delivery options have brought to our lives. And in the years since he published the book, the list has only gotten bigger, faster and better.
However, Foster warns that we should not allow our reliance on such things should be kept in check. He reminds the reader of the importance of remembering that each item we consume has a source. For instance, he points that our morning coffee also has its beginnings in a field somewhere. He pleads with the reader that we, as Christians, should be aware of our social responsibility. Should our cup of coffee bring danger, toils and snares to the fine people who harvest it for us? Knowing where your coffee comes from is easier today, due to more transparent business actions today. I get my details from my favorite green tag store here. I know there is no way to be 100% certain, however I do think we should expect coffee companies to show corporate responsibility.
As I was discussing this a few days ago with my brother-in-law, he pointed out to me that coffee was not to blame for the most of our troubles, but that it was our reliance on computers - personal devices included. He told me about reading the following story of mistreatment, slave-like conditions and unfit working conditions which have been found in over seas factories around the world where our clever little devices, clothing and toys are being produced. Since much of my paper/news reading time has been taken up writing this blog lately, I had not read the recent stories about these horrible conditions...
I would encourage you to visit a few of the stories here:
http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/apple-sweatshop-problem-16-hour-days-70-cents-172800495.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2011/aug/27/disney-factory-sweatshop-suicide-claims
http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-06-02/news/27066047_1_foxconn-minimum-wage-china
There seems to be new information coming in regarding Apple production spots, but still it leads us to a good place for discussion. Those quick and easy choices that we make have grand consequences for many people around the world.
This reminds me of a favorite Amy Grant song I listened to in high school... but I never really paid attention to the lyrics until today...
Consider what you can grow yourself, make for yourself and do without for a time... in an effort to help change the world while working to change ourselves. Or make a greater stance. How can you help? Connect with members of your church, stand up together. Become informed. See the link below to learn more about Unbound.
Simply stated... consider others, those who struggle, those who toil. Consider the nameless in your thoughts and prayers today.
Link of the day...
http://justiceunbound.org/ - The Presbyterian Church USA and a guide for Social Responsibility and Social Justice
Quote of the day...
"We — individual Christians and churches — commit ourselves to a culture of peace and freedom that embraces non-violence, nurtures character, treasures the environment, and builds community, rooted in a spirituality of inner growth with outward action. We make this commitment together — as members of Christ’s body, led by the one Spirit — trusting in the God who makes all things new."
-taken from PC USA's Social Creed for the 21st Century
Bible verse of the day...
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
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