Happenings 21/10/2021

As a teenager, I lived by the motto “Sometimes you’ve gotta do, what you’ve gotta do”. It was my mantra for life, my firm belief, that my actions would only impact me and wouldn’t affect others. If the outcome benefited me, then it was worth doing.

Yet, now as a Christian, I don’t think my teenage wisdom was right. In fact, I think that as Christians we are called to a higher standard. We are called to care for others no matter the cost. The Bible is filled with parables and stories of people who were willing to give up everything to care for others. Have a look at the stories Jesus told, and you’ll see this theme, with probably the most well-known being the good Samaritan. As Jesus' followers today, we are called to act not for our own benefit, but out of a conviction of care for others, even if that costs us a lot.

Earlier this week, Tearfund released its annual Ethical Fashion Guide. This is a substantial piece of research that they undertake to help us as consumers be better informed about the brands and companies we purchase from. This guide exists to help us learn more about the ethical and environmental costs of producing clothing. A grade and a visual guide illustrates a brand’s true involvement in modern slavery, environmental degradation, and promotion of a throw-away culture. If you haven’t come across this before, I totally recommend having a look, and see what grade the brands you normally buy from have.

There are many reasons why being concerned about the way clothing is produced may be difficult. I’m a student who grew up without much money, so I understand and feel for you if the ethics of clothing is the last thing on your mind. But if you have the capacity, this is one example of where we as Christians can model to our culture what living in a way that loves people and the planet around us can look like.

If fashion isn’t your thing – cool, use this as an example to think about a global injustice. Clothes are a good example of injustices that exist in the world.

This week, as you do your online shopping, take a moment to think through how we as Christians should care for the least in our world, and how our actions can make a massive change.

Click here to view the Tearfund Ethical Fashion Guide.

Blessings,
Matt