Fads, Fashions, and God's Unchanging Love

In this world captivated by the latest trend, Tina Mayeux reflects on the importance of finding our worth in God above all things.

As a young teenage girl growing up in the ‘80s, I can remember coveting the latest fad at the time and feeling like I needed to have a particular item to keep up with my peers. Whether it was a name-brand jacket or the newest type of watch, I wasn’t happy until my parents went to the local mall and bought it for me, and I could fit snugly into the “cool crowd” —for the time being.

Even as adults, we often seek satisfaction and validation in acquiring material things to fit in or attain approval from others. Admittedly, there have been times when I feel compelled to buy more expensive brands over similar no-name items when the less expensive purchase would have been just as good.

Recently, a story emerged in the news about a popular brand of drinkware causing chaos in department stores. It was reported that arguments broke out between frenzied customers as they quickly emptied the shelves of the coveted cups. I wasn’t surprised to hear this story, since we often hear of businesses experiencing similar scuffles on popular shopping days such as Black Friday or when a new product comes out. It did get me thinking, however, about why we desire so strongly to be part of the latest trend.

Our human nature causes us to crave acceptance and approval from others around us. Often, we look at what others are doing and how they live to determine how we should conduct our lives. We see a neighbor with a new car, and we can be tempted to wish for a new vehicle ourselves. Advertising can also influence our desire for material things.

The Church, however, offers us a remedy for this weakness. The life of Christ, along with the words and actions of the saints, teaches us that our sense of worth and our confidence should come first and foremost from God and not from material possessions and the things of the earth. As Christians, we are to try and live our lives focused on the goal of reaching heaven and helping our families to get there as well. The wisdom of St. Paul charges us:

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

When we center our minds on Christ, the earthly or material goals don’t seem quite as important or pressing.

null

As mothers and parents, it is essential to teach our children that keeping up with the latest trends can be fun, but that we should remember to seek God above these things. For Christmas, our girls received the same trendy cups from family members that caused chaos in the department stores. However, what we have tried to teach our children throughout the years is that attachment to material things should never take the place of our faith and love for God. I hope that my children always remember this lesson and will forever know that they are precious and unique in God’s eyes, I pray that they will always realize their value comes from His unchanging love and not from carrying a cute and popular water bottle.

Click to tweet:
When we center our minds on Christ, the earthly or material goals don’t seem quite as important or pressing. #CatholicMom

Fads come and go, but we can rely on the fact that our God will always remain unchanging. Again, St. Paul sums it up when he writes, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Things around us are constantly changing. People and societies evolve and grow, and customs die out, replaced by new ones. However, we are assured that Jesus and His Church will stand strong, unaltered by the trends and fashions of the day.

null