This evening in conversation, Marc shared about part of a documentary he had seen on TV at his dad’s, called “Blood Diamonds,” and how many of the diamonds in jewelry that we purchase are bought  not just with our money, but literally with someone else’s blood. The majority of the world’s diamonds come from Africa, and (this just according to Wikipedia), these gems are often “mined in a war zone and sold to finance an insurgency, invading army’s war efforts, or a warlord’s activity.” People who live in areas where diamonds are found are often dismembered to chase them off the land so that someone else can profit. Sure makes jewelry shopping a little more sobering of a reality, doesn’t it?

This is just one more thing that personally challenges us (see this post for more recent thoughts) and reminds us why Jesus said,

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

It also brings to mind 1 John 2:15: ” Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Does that mean we shouldn’t have and enjoy “things,” like jewelry? That’s a loaded question. But when faced with the reality of how others suffer so we can show off a new bauble, would Jesus approve? I don’t suppose I have the answers; just sharing my questions.