It’s that time of year again. That time of year when everyone gets caught up in the avalanche of activities and shopping in celebration of Thanksgiving and Christmas. We sacrifice time, effort, and money to lavish gifts on the loved ones we hold dear. We commit to slowing down and making things simpler to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas—The Birth of the Savior.
Businesses and their employees benefit greatly from this season. That is why we hear so much about putting our money where our mouths are during this season. I’ve seen a barrage of Facebook posts and articles battling over whether or not Christians should boycott stores, especially during Christmas. Should Christians Boycott? Maybe So, Maybe No.
It seems to some to be an “oxymoron-ish” (I know it’s not Webster’s word but it’s mine) stand because Christmas is supposed to be about peace and love, good will to men, following the command of Jesus to love our neighbors and even our enemies. How can we as Christians possibly exhibit love when we run around angrily protesting merchants whose practices are wrong in the eyes of God? It’s not a very compassionate movement. It’s not a good witness. I mean, shouldn’t we patronize them to show our love and support for them? Shouldn’t we walk in with our Christ-like attitude and hope our actions convey all that Christianity encompasses? That’s a good question.
It’s definitely something to pray about. We must not jump on any bandwagons traveling in either direction. We must seek God’s direction in every choice we make in this life. He commands us to be intentional about our decisions, staying in constant prayer and seeking His will.
He also says we must not condemn. Yet, I see condemnation on both sides of the equation. Those who are sure to tell people they shouldn’t boycott have written their rants in opposition. To me they are simply doing the same thing they are accusing others of doing. They are condemning those who boycott. If people are boycotting, especially in love and without hatred, then it is between them and God. If others have prayed about it and God has told them to continue to patronize an establishment then it is between them and God. It is not our place to condemn either decision. It is simply our place to judge for ourselves with God’s guidance and without condemnation, and to pray for God’s will for everyone.
God may very well have a divine appointment to reach someone who will be in line with us at a particular shop. If you boycott, you may lose that opportunity.
On the other hand, our loyalty and love for God may compel us to stay away. God speaks to us through conviction. Isn’t that what Christianity is all about? Allowing God to lovingly speak to us and change us into the likeness of Christ? He may ask us to be bold like Jesus and take a stand. Will we?
We don’t have any trouble abstaining from shopping in a place that is way too expensive for our budget. We are sure to say that we aren’t shopping there because the prices are exorbitant. If we are eating in restaurant and the employees are rude or the building is uncleanly, we are sure to say we will never return. So why is it that we take a stand for our wallets or our feelings, but not for God?
After all Jesus took a stand. When merchants were doing business against God’s will, when their practices were against His commands, Jesus got passionate and fired up. He didn’t worry about how it would look. Instead He cared more about doing what was right. He didn’t worry about offending anyone, except God. He didn’t necessarily boycott. He did something bolder. He threw them OUT!
Jesus didn’t go anywhere sugar coating, tickling ears, tiptoeing around people with a pretense that sinful choices were okay. He didn’t sit idly by in silence all the while hoping that the witness of His behavior would teach people otherwise. Do you think he would have patronized those merchants that day? Well, history tells us He didn’t. He taught not just by example, but ALSO by words and stance. He lovingly explained to people that love is caring for the eternal soul. He didn’t say I support you keep up the good work in His words or His actions.
Ultimately, we can’t use God’s Word like a hammer to angrily hit people over the head and expect them to come willingly into His family. His ministry was also gentle confrontation, not attack. We also cannot cheapen God’s grace by blindly supporting ventures that work against His Son and His Kingdom. His ministry was truth, not pretense. Jesus was the strongest warrior for God that there ever was. He passionately fought for His Father and us even to the point of death on a cross.
Our Heavenly Father has given us so much. He deserves for us to speak His truth in love and represent Him graciously. He deserves for us to open our hearts and open our eyes. He deserves to for us to seek His direction and His face in all things big and small. After all, these decisions aren’t as small or as easy as you think. On this Motivational Monday, I’d like to motivate you to think about it: Should Christians Boycott? Maybe So, Maybe No. There is no right or wrong answer. It’s your decision. Don’t listen to just anyone on this issue. Pray and let The Lord lead you.
