How can Christians actively oppose the commodification of people today? Seeing the Problem through Joel’s Eyes “ ‘They cast lots for My people; they bartered a boy for a prostitute; they sold a girl for wine to drink.’ ” (Joel 3:3) • The prophet describes literal trafficking—reducing God-made lives to merchandise. • God condemns the practice outright, showing His unwavering defense of human dignity. Why Commodification Offends the Creator • People bear God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Treating an image-bearer as a product assaults God Himself. • Human worth is set by redemption, not market price: “You were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). • The Lord identifies with the oppressed: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). Modern Faces of an Ancient Sin • Sex trafficking, forced labor, and organ harvesting. • Surrogacy done solely for profit, ignoring mother and child welfare. • Pornography that turns bodies into digital commodities. • Wage theft and exploitative gig economies. • Consumer habits that reward sweatshops or unfair supply chains. Convictions That Fuel Christian Opposition • Justice is love applied to the vulnerable (Micah 6:8). • True fasting: “to break the chains of wickedness… to set the oppressed free” (Isaiah 58:6). • “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8-9). • “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). Practical Ways to Push Back Personal conduct • Refuse pornography; support ministries rescuing its victims. • Pay fair wages to employees, contractors, and domestic help. • Choose products certified free of slave labor; use buying power as leverage. Church engagement • Host awareness nights featuring anti-trafficking organizations. • Fund safe houses and legal aid for survivors. • Offer job training and counseling to those exiting exploitation. Community advocacy • Lobby for laws that punish traffickers and protect victims. • Partner with local shelters, foster-care agencies, and immigration services. • Volunteer with hotlines or street-outreach teams. Global vision • Support missionaries who pair gospel proclamation with freedom work. • Give toward micro-loans that provide dignified income alternatives. • Sponsor children to cut off recruiters’ supply lines. Living as Redeemed People, Not Consumers • Practice hospitality—inviting others proves people are gifts, not goods. • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly; it reminds us redemption sets true value. • Cultivate contentment (Hebrews 13:5). A satisfied heart resists the urge to buy, use, discard. Opposing commodification starts with seeing every neighbor through Joel 3:3 eyes: priceless souls God refuses to let be auctioned. Stand firm, act boldly, and let the gospel’s worth shape your every choice. |
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