"Green Stamp Theology"

"Green Stamp Theology"

 

From the 1950’s through the ‘70’s many grocery chains and other retailers gave trading stamps with purchases which could be redeemed for various household articles and other “treasures.” While there were a number of different firms in this short-lived industry the largest and likely best known was Green Stamps, the popularity of which was enhanced when the ‘60’s quartet “The Brothers Four” spoofed the traditional English song “Greensleeves” with “Green Stamps.” In our early years of marriage Karen and I turned in who-knows-how-many-books and obtained  several items in return. Maybe you remember some “gifts” you received too.

The stores that used this marketing technique were trying to provide motivation for people to buy from them rather than their competitors by giving something back, a tactic still practiced today. Trading stamps are now ancient history, but the “We’ll-give-you-this-if-you-shop-with-us” gimmicks continue in newspapers, through snail mail, and on line. (Just be sure to read the fine print!)

As God’s people we must be careful not to fall into the “Green Stamp Theology” trap when it comes to serving Him and giving to His work. We honor Him not for what we think we might get but out of love because of what He’s done for us. In Romans 1-11 The Apostle Paul describes how God has provided His gift of salvation to us and calls for our response: “And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?” (Romans 12:1, LB). Bill and Gloria Gaither expressed it well in a song: “I will serve Thee because I love Thee.” This is biblical, not Green Stamp, theology.

God has promised His blessings to those who honor Him (“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first-fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”—Proverbs 3:9-10), but they’re to be seen as fringe benefits, not motivating factors. Let’s keep our theology straight by leaving Green Stamps out of it.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan