American Consumption and Peter’s Journey in Acts
In this first post I am going to be talking about the bbc article that came out in January of this year about the Shein factories that produce the $12 dresses you consume. The factory that produces Shein clothing is located in southern China of a port named Guangzhou. This factory and video that portrays this is showing the ways that Chinese workers are being underpaid and overworked in these factories. This production of clothing is taking advantage of the people of China that are being abused by their labor laws. This production and consumption of clothing is being impacted by your daily decisions to consume. How should we as Americans go about facing this problem and consumption that not only impacts the workers of southern China but worker across the world because Americans are so eager to have the next best thing? Focus upon the human who produces the product to open your mind to the world they are living in. They are being abused by work laws and pay. So focus on the person and the life you are impacting whether than the product that is gained at such easy access. Focus on the ways you consume and how you can begin making small changes to your consumption habits. If it’s starting to use reusable bags in Walmart and other retail stores then start there. If its banning yourself from online shopping, then have someone hold you accountable. Open up to making the world a better place through your actions to better support others in this struggling way of life. Lets now look to what Peter does as he goes to share the Gospel in and around Jerusalem. The scripture that I am going to be referencing is Acts 2. This chapter highlights multiple themes but the main one I want to focus on is the way the Apostles brought the Gospel to Jerusalem and through this gained new believers that followed them in the name of Jesus the Messiah. Through this devotion and change of ways among the new believers they shared their possessions with anyone who had need of them and the Apostles following by the name of Jesus grew. Through the devotion of their lives to Jesus Christ the Apostles and new believers shared and gave away all that they had in hopes of devoting themselves fully to the Lord. The scripture specifically says “42 They spent their time learning the apostles’ teaching. And they continued to share, to break bread, and to pray together. 43 The apostles were doing many miracles and signs. And everyone felt great respect for God. 44 All the believers stayed together. They shared everything. 45 They sold their land and the things they owned. Then they divided the money and gave it to those people who needed it. 46 The believers met together in the Temple every day. They all had the same purpose. They broke bread in their homes, happy to share their food with joyful hearts. 47 They praised God, and all the people liked them. More and more people were being saved every day; the Lord was adding those people to the group of believers.” (Acts 2:42-47 ICB) This translation that I chose is from the International Children’s Bible. I love this translation because it gives the simplest translation that is easy and quick to understand. Peter and the Apostles impacted the lives of the new believers through Jesus sacrifice just days before this story occurred. Whether you are or aren’t a believer look and read over the article about the Shein factories and the video provided. I also encourage you to read the whole chapter of Acts 2 to learn and lean into the ways of Peter and the Apostles living in hopes to consume less and focus on the needs of others and giving what you have whether possessions, money, food, or your presence of joy to others daily. Wake up today to open your mind to others and protect your heart through the scriptures that help us be more like the character of Jesus Christ! Have a blessed first day of April talk to you soon!!
(4/1/25)
Sources
Taylor, Luke. “Acts 2 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study.” 2BeLikeChrist, 2BeLikeChrist, 11 Nov. 2023, www.2belikechrist.com/articles/acts-2-in-5-minutes.
Bicker, Laura. “Shein: Inside the Chinese Factories Fuelling the Company’s Success.” BBC News, BBC, 12 Jan. 2025, www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdrylgvr77jo.
“Bible Gateway Passage: Acts 2:42-47 - International Children’s Bible.” Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A42-47&version=ICB. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
