Wal-Mart & Satan: Low Prices...NEVER!

After an interesting conversation with my mother somehow we got on the topic of why I dislike shopping at Wal-Mart. After voicing my longing for the nostalgic “regular” Wal-Marts of yesteryears (wow, has it really been that long?), I left her with a question that sent her on an investigation to the blue warehouse building. I asked her this simple question; “have you not noticed that the whistling 'Rolling Back Prices' Smiley Face logo of Wal-Mart has disappeared altogether?” Accordingly, this fact stood as the basis for my argument. Because without him, Wal-Mart no longer had the lowest prices in the grocery industry (Can you say Krogers?). My mother’s argument was momentarily quieted and then answered with, “you know what, I can’t remember the last time I saw that smiley face.” Exactly!


As an observer by nature I notice everything especially if it relates to the places I often frequent, or the brands that I commonly purchase. Accordingly, I was the first in my family to state my disdain when Orbit removed two sticks of my Sweet Mint gum and still charged me the same price. I mean what are ya’ll doing with my two other pieces of gum Orbit?! But, that’s another story. However, this just adds to the validity of my observation skills when it comes to most things.

It wasn’t until this morning’s shower that I had an epiphany of why Wal-Mart’s phasing out of their smiley face bothered me so. I am aware of the trademark infringement case that caused the megastore to kick Mr. Smiley to the curb, but something still didn’t rub me the right way. And then like a bolt of lightning, I experienced an aha! moment right in mid-lather. I lost all respect for Wal-Mart not because they were forced to rid their company of the Smiley, but because they let their word fall to the waist side as well. As a result, I was made to feel like a dunce in a major bait-and-switch initiative, and I officially had a problem with this “super” establishment. Not only, did I feel hustled by the once “reasonably priced” merchandise ending in a mere $0.88 instead of a full dollar, I now saw the connection between Wal-Mart’s sneaky antics and Satan himself.

Now before I get hate mail, hear me out! God has interesting ways to get life lessons to the masses, so here goes. Just like the enemy, Wal-Mart lured buyers in with the anticipation of getting the best items at the cheapest rates, and for quite a while this was true. And like this Satan, lures us away from salvation with the idea that we can live the “good life” at a lesser sacrificial level than complete holiness and righteousness. And for a moment these things seem proven to an extent. Wal-Mart was indeed, the lowest merchandiser at one point, and I would be a liar if I said I never had a good time partying like a rock star; giving into my every carnal desire. But, when Satan’s rug was pulled from under my footing in a Holy-Ghost-initiated reality check I was left bruised with conviction. Now, fully aware of just how much I was “spending” my life away.

Much like the idea of shopping at a store that is no longer valuable, but the advances of its culture are seemingly irresistible , Satan has this effect on believers who refuse to renew their minds with truth. The deceptions of the enemy are so subtle, and his trickery so well orchestrated that he’ll have people doing things they don’t desire, but they can’t shake because of attachment to their spiritual DNA! However, I have a problem with being hoodwinked and watching others fall prey to lies! Thus, I feel it my duty to reveal when Satan is trying to lead people on a wild goose chase of "comparative shopping" when God’s way has already been paid for. Christ handled our sticker price; so get out of the (Wal-Mart lol) check-out line because there’s no other price that needs to be covered! Just thankfully accept the gift and keep it moving.

Satan is sneaky, but his lies always fall through. Hence, I suggest you follow the King of kings who really does have the “best buys”, and the revelation power to give understanding in all things (like where my two pieces of gum disappeared to!). Let that marinate good peoples as you think twice about your next "shopping" trip. Things are not always as they seem—PAY ATTENTION!

Nikki D