“You won’t believe what I got from Shein for only $100!”
The video opens with an influencer flashing perfectly manicured nails and a too-big-for-reality box bursting with clothes, accessories and things no one actually needs. It’s a haul, baby, and the 30-second dopamine rush is addictive.
Within minutes, thousands of comments flood in: “Link?!” “I need this!” “Adding to cart.” It’s consumerism with a ring light, served piping hot to millions of impressionable viewers who didn’t know they needed a $9 glitter bucket hat until five seconds ago.
Haul videos like this are the poster children for a culture of overconsumption. And let’s be honest, the rest of us aren’t exactly innocent bystanders. Whether it’s hitting “Buy Now” on Amazon for the third time this week, binging on fast fashion sales or idolizing influencers whose closets rival department stores, we’ve all felt the pull.
But while the world’s social media feeds scream “More, more, more!” the Gospel quietly calls for something radically countercultural: stewardship.
Faith and Stewardship: What We’re Missing
Stewardship. It’s a word we’ve all heard in church, but have we really stopped to unpack what it means? In Genesis, God gives humanity dominion over creation, not as owners but caretakers. Psalm 24:1 drives it home: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Translation? All the stuff you call yours—your bank account, your closet, even that unused gym membership you’re still paying for—is ultimately God’s.
Yet, stewardship isn’t just about protecting the planet (though that’s part of it). It’s about managing every resource—time, money, relationships, possessions—in ways that honor God. When our shopping carts (digital or otherwise) are overflowing with things we don’t need and can’t afford, we’ve veered off course. And when our closets look like a Forever 21 warehouse but our tithing is nonexistent? It’s time for a heart check.
This isn’t about guilt-tripping anyone who loves a good deal. It’s about realizing that our spending habits are spiritual habits. They reveal what we value and where we place our trust. So the question isn’t Can I afford this? but Does this purchase reflect the generosity, gratitude and stewardship God calls me to?
How Consumerism Became King
If stewardship is the call, then consumerism is the temptation we just can’t shake. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have turned buying stuff into a sport. #Hauls, #SheinFinds and #AmazonMustHaves are digital sirens luring us to splurge on things we never knew existed. And let’s not forget the influencers, whose curated feeds make their lavish lifestyles seem aspirational, not ridiculous.
This “haul culture” isn’t just harmless fun. It feeds the idea that more is always better and that your worth is tied to what you own. Suddenly, wearing the same dress twice feels like a crime and driving a 10-year-old car is embarrassing. Social media has turned consumption into a performance, and we’re the paying audience.
But here’s the twist: We’re also the ones funding the show. The cheap thrills of fast fashion and next-day delivery come at a steep cost. For every $4 t-shirt you add to your cart, there’s a garment worker overseas making pennies an hour. For every Prime Day deal you snag, there’s an environmental footprint we can’t afford to ignore. Convenience isn’t free—it just hides the real price tags.
Practical Steps for Mindful Living
So, how do we break free from this consumerist cycle without becoming hermits who churn our own butter? Here are some ways to spend intentionally and align your habits with God’s call to stewardship:
- Pause Before You Buy
Create a 24-hour rule for online purchases. If it still feels like a need (and not a fleeting want) the next day, go for it. - Shop Secondhand
Thrift stores, consignment shops and online resale platforms are treasure troves of unique finds—and they’re far kinder to the planet. - Adopt a Capsule Wardrobe
Streamline your closet to timeless, versatile pieces you actually wear. Bonus: It’s impossible to overthink outfits when you only own three pairs of jeans. - Audit Your Spending
Look at where your money’s going. Are you spending more on fast fashion than you are on giving? Be honest—and adjust accordingly. - Support Ethical Brands
Yes, they’re pricier. But that extra cost reflects fair wages, sustainable practices and a commitment to doing business God’s way. - Think Communally
Before buying, ask if you can borrow, trade or share instead. Stewardship thrives in community, not isolation.
Reclaiming the Call to Stewardship
At its core, stewardship isn’t about never buying anything new or becoming some minimalist monk. It’s about remembering that everything we have—our paycheck, our possessions, our very breath—is on loan from God. When we buy mindlessly or hoard resources, we’re not just being careless. We’re saying we trust in “stuff” to bring satisfaction instead of trusting in the One who provides all we need.
So the next time an influencer convinces you that your happiness depends on another $12 gadget or glittery bucket hat, pause. Reflect. Ask yourself: Does this purchase align with my faith? Is it helping me live generously, sustainably and with gratitude?
The truth is, Amazon, fast fashion and haul culture aren’t going anywhere. But as Christians, we’re called to swim upstream. To live intentionally. To let our spending reflect God’s generosity, not the world’s greed. Stewardship is countercultural—and it’s the kind of rebellion worth joining.