Kara Conniff

By Kara Conniff

Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have (Hebrews 13: 5, MSG)

Admire without the need to acquire is one of my favorite phrases. I say it to myself (and others) daily. Sometimes multiple times per day. We live in a consumer culture where we are constantly bombarded with things to buy. Why own one pair of Adidas Gazelles when you have six in different colorways? Why would you wear the same jacket as last year when you could buy a new one? In fact, you need a new one. Last year quilted puffers were cool. This year you need a barn-style jacket. Last winter you needed an ankle length coat with a faux fur collar. This year a collar-less wool trench coat is best.

It. is. exhausting. 

It’s no surprise that it’s exhausting to me because I do want six pairs of Gazelles and a new camel colored trench or maybe a plaid one? I want every piece of Baublebar jewelry that comes across my Instagram feed. I want a sparkly Kendra Scott soccer ball pendant to wear to my son’s games. I love the Gilmore Girls so I want every new sweatshirt iteration that comes my way. I love keeping bees so anything bee-related instantly catches my eye. Don’t get me started on books and hats. I love hats.  

As you can see this is a problem for me. I do want new things, but I have a conviction that being a consumer is antithetical to being a follower of Jesus. I’m not saying Jesus wouldn’t purchase a new pair of hand-crafted sandals when his wore out, but he absolutely would not buy a new pair because he saw Peter sporting a cooler style. He was a craftsman so I’m sure he loved a well-made table or chair. But he didn’t need to give every room he entered a makeover–is that a live edge table? You know those are so last year. 

Yet, this is how we are conditioned to live. Influencers are literally paid big bucks to get us to buy things. A new wardrobe each season. New candles for each season. New pillows. New dishes for each holiday. Gear for every event you attend. 

There came a point when I had to just say no. I had to draw a line in the sand and say enough is enough. Just because I like something doesn’t mean I need it. I can admire without having to acquire. I’m not perfect at this by any means, but most of the time, I won’t buy something I don’t need. (Do books count? I admittedly can’t stop buying books. Aren’t they a need?)

So I would encourage you to adopt the phrase: Admire without the need to acquire. You can see a beautiful piece of jewelry and admire it without purchasing it. You can look at the latest fashion and think, “I can’t believe barrel jeans are in style now,” but you don’t have to buy a pair. You can admire the latest icon glasses from Anthro, but your standard Mason jars work just as well. 

Admire without the need to acquire. I think it’s what Jesus would do.