Does your shopping trolley reflect Biblical principles of justice and equality?

As Christians should we care about who, what or where our purchases come from?  The answer is a resounding ... yes, we should!

Do you buy jeans, handbags or appliances without a thought of the women and children who made them and/or the conditions they  have to labour in? 

Here are a few facts to ponder on about the conditions your purchases (jeans, handbags, appliances etc) may be made in:

• workers are often paid such low wages that they can barely exist off them let alone escape the poverty they live in.
• workers, which include child labour, can be forced to work as long as 72 hours without sleep.
• workers, if they complain about conditions, are known to be beaten or sexually abused.
• conditions in the workplace can be unsafe, no air conditioning in stifiling hot conditions or no cooling during colder, winter months and are often unsanitary.

Why do these conditions exist? The exploitation of labour in developing countries reduces the cost of items WE as consumers pay ... isn't this reason enough to ensure your voice supports the change of such conditions? 

The Bible advocates for justice and equality in the world - as Christians we are called to live by the principles of justice, mercy and humility.

"He (God) has told you, O man what is good; and what does the LORD require 

of you but to DO justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?" 

Michah 6:8

" ... learn to DO good, SEEK justice, CORRECT oppression; BRING justice

to the fatherless, PLEAD the widow's cause."

Isaiah 1:17

Do you notice all the verbs (doing words) in the above two passages ... as capable women of God we can and should change our shopping habits and think about our 'neighbours' who endure appalling conditions so we can look cute in our new pair of designer jeans. 

If we believe in equality and justice, our lifestyles should reflect such. If we respect people, we should advocate that workers in developing countries be dignified by being paid fairly and that their work conditions are safe and comfortable.

Here are a few practical ways to put you on the road to changing your spending habits:

1. buy products that empower women (according to one report, work forces are made up of between 85% and 90% women).
2. make it a goal to learn about and understand the implications and impact of your purchases.
3. live by the principles of justice and try, where possible, to buy ethical products.

Above all else, as Godly Mothers, let us teach and equip our children, the next generation, with the Godly principles of justice and equality. Consumerism is a learnt behaviour - check your spending habits and attitudes ... little eyes and ears are always watching and learning.

Live your best Godly life and be blessed.