Gatorade and the Paradox of Abundance
What a 90s ad campaign can teach us about devotion to Christ
Gatorade ran a commercial in the late 90s that asked one simple question:
Is it in you?
Those small words made a big point: what’s inside makes the difference. Talent, equipment, coaching—none of those overcome a lack of commitment and passion in those playing the game.
The same is true for disciples of Jesus. Paul wrote the Corinthians, “I am afraid… that your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”1
Devotion to Christ that is simple and pure... Is it in you?
The Paradox of Abundance
Our minds are easily led astray from this devotion.
We live in an age of abundance. We have more food, information, and entertainment than we know what to do with.
This creates a paradox: the very abundance we enjoy threatens our ability to focus on what matters most.
Cecil Bean—who discipled me in my 20s—once pointed out that King David was faithful to God through years as a fugitive on the run. His fall took place after he was crowned king and living a life of ease.
Perhaps nothing is more dangerous to our devotion than success.
Keeping It Simple
Every generation faces unique challenges. To those wanting to live faithful lives in this age, the paradox of abundance threatens both the simplicity and purity of our devotion to Jesus.
This age produces eyes that scroll and spirits that drift.
The solution is not easy—but it is simple. We must choose daily to fix our eyes on Jesus and to press on toward the upward call of God in Christ.2
The paradox of abundance may be stacked against us. But knowing is half the battle.
We can choose to simplify. We can choose a life of devotion to Jesus.
2 Corinthians 11.3
Hebrews 12.2, Philippians 3.14
Good stuff Andrew!