More Than a Toy: When Trends Reorient Our Spiritual Lives

It seems like everywhere you look, there's a new "thing" to obsess over. A few months ago, it was the "Labubu phenomenon"—a craze for a collectible toy that had people lining up for hours, paying huge sums, and making it a central part of their lives. It might seem harmless, just a toy, but these trends reveal something deeper about where our hearts are.

As Christians, we're called to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. But with so many shiny distractions, how do we stay on track? The Labubu craze is a perfect example of how modern trends can subtly redefine our spiritual priorities.

The Great Distraction

Think about how much time and energy the latest trend consumes. From scrolling through feeds to find a rare item, to hunting for it in stores, these pursuits can quickly become a preoccupation. This is more than just a hobby—it's a reorientation of our time and attention away from things that matter eternally. We're left to ask ourselves: how much of our precious time is spent chasing things that won't last?

A Redefined Identity

For some, getting their hands on a popular collectible isn't just about owning an object; it's about gaining a status symbol. The pursuit becomes a chief aim in life, with the false promise that it will "somehow make your life better." This redefines our identity, linking our worth not to our relationship with Christ, but to our possessions and social standing. The Bible reminds us that our true identity is found in being a child of God, not in what we own.

Our Affection, Reoriented

The Labubu trend, like so many others, has an almost magnetic pull. A mix of nostalgia, celebrity hype, and social pressure can quietly reorient our affections. Before we know it, our attention is drawn away from the Triune God and toward some object of affection. Our ultimate devotion should be to God alone, not to fleeting fads.

The Real Crisis Isn't Just Our Response—It's the Influence

When the Labubu craze was at its peak, some Christians raised alarms about its name being linked to an ancient demon. While the connection is speculative, this reaction highlights a deeper spiritual concern: the nature of the object itself.

In my personal opinion, the toy itself is also a concern. As Christians, we are called to be vigilant. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." This verse reminds us that we are engaged in spiritual warfare against unseen forces of evil.

When we invite objects into our homes, especially those with a questionable or non-Christian origin, we are potentially inviting in darkness. The concern isn't just about how we respond to the trend; it's about the influence these items can have. By purchasing and welcoming such a toy into your home or your children's lives, you may, in a spiritual sense, be welcoming in the darkness that comes with it.

The Deeper Challenge: A Shift from God's Agenda to Worldly Influence

The Labubu phenomenon exposes a more significant challenge in the Christian walk: our tendency to get absorbed by worldly influences and their agendas. As followers of Christ, we must remember a profound truth: we don't set God's agenda; He sets ours. The Christian life is not a story we write for ourselves, but one we are invited to join—a story centered on Jesus Christ and His authority.

When we get caught up in the demonic background of a toy or any other claim, we're drawn into a distorted reality. We become distracted from our core theological tasks: proclaiming Christ’s authority, making disciples, and teaching others to live under His command. Our focus shifts from the ultimate truth to "stories with more sizzle than steak." We spend our energy on distractions rather than on the substantive matters of faith.

The solution to these distractions isn't to simply throw out every toy or trend. ( in my opinion you should get rid of anything that doesn't align with God's truth and what he wants for you-if that means tossing possession in the garbage, do it!) The solution is to get to the truth—to understand God and His Word deeply. When we allow the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures to govern our responses, we can navigate the world's endless distractions without being pulled off course. Our goal is to cultivate a spiritual discernment that not only protects us from worldly influence but also equips us to be a light in a world full of noise.

God, not the world, sets our agenda. So let's make sure our time, our identity, and our affection are focused on Him.

What's something you've seen a trend redefine in your own life? How are you keeping your focus on Christ?