Does God mind where I shop? With so many shops and supermarkets to choose from does it make a difference which one I choose? Does the Bible have anything to say on the matter? If you're looking for a verse that says 'Thou shalt not shop at ?????' you're going to be disappointed. (And I would recommend a version that says 'You shall not ...' rather than 'Thou shalt not...' but that's a whole different topic. If interested visit www.usingthebible.blogspot.com).
But our faith should impact every area of our lives and that includes where we shop and what we buy when we're there.
This week is the second week of Fairtrade Fortnight (25 Feb - 9 Mar). Two weeks in which we are encouraged, if we haven't already done so, to make the switch to buying Fairtrade goods, where possible. Buying goods which carry the Fairtrade Mark guarantees a better and fairer deal for farmers and producers in the developing world. God is passionate about the poor and the needy - if you don't believe that then go and read your Bible again. Start with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and see what Jesus has to say. Then move into Acts and see how for the early Christians care for the poor and needy was a natural expression of their faith. Then if you still need convincing have a go at some of the Old Testament prophets (e.g. Amos 8).
God is also passionate about justice (e.g. Micah 6:8) and therefore we should be too. One of the things that the Fairtrade Foundation highlights for us, whether we like it or not, is that not all dealings in the commercial world are fair. That means that there are small scale producers who are being exploited in order to keep costs down and profits high - and there is nothing they can do about it. But it means that they can't send their children to school, they have to make choices between things like food OR medicine, they can't invest in their communities... But when we buy goods which carry the Fairtrade Mark we are making a difference. It might not seem like a big difference on a global scale. But for a family who are now sending their children to school; for a community that has been able to sink a well to access clean and safe drinking water...it makes the world of difference.
To find out more visit www.fairtrade.org.uk
Does God mind where I shop? What do you think?
