I’ve worked in sales, marketing, and product management my entire (secular) career, and what I have learned is that nothing helps sell a product more than fear. The more a customer fears having to carry on without your product, the more likely they are to purchase it. Additionally, the more fear sown, the higher a seller can demand for their product. Talk about control, huh?
Why do you think the beauty and personal care industry in America alone is valued at over $100 Billion? People are afraid that their competition (other people) might be more beautiful than they are and therefore attract more attention and garner more of the associated benefits. Why would anyone spend upwards of $5,000 on a Louis Vuitton handbag that costs less than $250 to make? Fear. Why would anyone spend upwards of $50,000 for hair transplant surgery? Fear.
Fear is one of Satan’s greatest weapons. He and the kingdom of darkness use it prolifically to control people. Those under this type of control tend towards mob mentality and are miffed when someone has the strength of character to remain uninfluenced.
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
– 1 Peter 4:1-5
As Peter so astutely described it, people will be so miffed at you for rejecting being controlled by worldly temptations that they will proactively malign you! Why? Misery loves company, and people like to play games that are rigged in such a way that they think they can win. That’s all this world is – a rat race – and those who choose to transcend it, depending wholly on the love and grace of God, are hated on. So be it.
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
– 1 Peter 3:14-17
The ones at the “top” of the heap in this world, the ones who perceive themselves as “winning”, are going to be the most invested in propagating this rat race and most angry when they discover you’re not interested in playing (reading suggestion: Take Me Out to the Ballgame). When you call such people out, they will often put a target on your back, not openly, of course, because the people at the “top” must maintain a certain decorum. Instead, they will conspire against you, often quietly, discreetly, like wolves in sheep’s clothing. I’ve seen it too many times and have experienced it firsthand. It’s grotesque, but what do we expect from a world of unholy people under the influence of the god of this world?
If the “rats” would speak, they’d ask you, “Who do you think you are?” It’s their own fear that betrays their motivation for asking. The “winners” in the rat race are among the most scared, you see. It is the person who rejects their rigged game that they fear most, for they possess real power in Christ. My friend, that is supposed to be you, if you’re a child of God.
So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
– Hebrews 13:6
If you occasionally find yourself partaking in the rat race, I wrote a blog titled, FOMO, that you might enjoy on this topic.
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins