The Servant God Uses

“The Servant God Uses”

1Thess. 2:1-12

Subject: Modeling Ministry Character

Theme: The servant God uses has the gospel as his priority, grace as his motive, and glorifying God as his purpose.

Introduction: Often the qualities that God desire in His servants are not appreciated at all by the world or even the church. This could lead to slander against even God’s choicest servants. Paul planted a church in Thessalonica and because of persecution he left to start churches elsewhere. The believers that Paul left behind no doubt heard some of the things that were said about Paul and as a result Paul is now writing to clear up any misunderstandings concerning the accusations against him and to ensure that His ministry does not suffer loss because of the statements of his enemies. In this section Paul defends his ministry and provides for us a beautiful profile for the kind of servants God will use. Certainly, we learn here what should drive and compel a real servant of the Lord.

Message:

I.               He Accepts the Gospel Mandate as a Priority (1Thess. 2:1-4).

a.     Believing Ministry Will be Fruitful (1 Thess. 2:1). Upon their arrival they know the gospel would work effectively in hearts and that people would be saved! Their initial visit and arrival was fruitful, genuine, and not a failure, even though he had faced previous ministry challenges.

b.     Choosing to be Persistent in Difficulties (1 Thess. 2:2). Despite the opposition, conflict, and contention, God gave them courageous boldness to keep preaching. “The point is that the primary ministry of a Christian is the ministry of character. What we are is far more important than anything we ever say. Our unconscious influence speaks more loudly than our conscious influence.”^[1]

c.      Working with Clean Motives (1 Thess. 2:3). Beloved, choose pure motives in the Lord’s work. Qualities like integrity—noting our message must never be deceitful, morally uncleanness, or manipulative.

d.     Regarding Service as a Trust from God (1 Thess. 2:4). “Paul said he spoke out of the best motives, realizing that God had put his heart to the test. He and his companions spoke not … to please men, but God. Having been found approved (dedokimasmetha, “shown by testing to be genuine”) by God, He entrusted them with the gospel.”^[2]

e.      Trusting God’s Commission Over Human Popularity (1 Thess. 2:4). Approved and entrusted by God with the gospel—a sacred charge, seeking to please God—who examines human hearts—rather than seeking people’s praise.

 

Ultimately the goal is not pleasing people or seeking human approval, but pleasing God who searches and tests our hearts. Our message comes from God’s calling rather than a desire to please people. This is the focus, mandate, and priority of every genuine servant of God. It must also be acknowledged that many servants of the Lord sustain personal sacrifices they will never make mention of or express. They accept this as followers of the Lord Jesus. Often, while they silently endure their personal troubles, they labor tirelessly to meet the needs and often demands of people. Again, they sacrifice because that is consistent with mature leadership; Christ endured great challenges for us and so does his followers. 

II.           He Acts with Gracious Motives and Practices (1Thess. 2:3-11).

a.     Refusing the Motives God Rejects (1 Thess. 2:3-6).

                                                    i.     Refuse Deceit (2:3).

                                                  ii.     Refuse Uncleanness (2:3).

                                                iii.     Refuse Guile (2:3).

                                                iv.     Refuse Man-pleasing (2:4). We should minister to please God and not men.

                                                  v.     Refuse Flattery (2:5). We should not use flattery to manipulate others and to get what we want. The true servant does not serve for what they can get out of it.  

                                                vi.     Refuse Covetousness (2:5). We should not entertain hidden agendas to facilitate our greed.

                                               vii.     Refuse Prestige (2:6). The true servants do not seek status! We must not serve to secure recognition but instead be willing to forego our rights and privileges at times for the benefit of others.

                                             viii.     Refuse Rights (2:6). 

1.     Even though the apostles of Christ had the rightful authority to demand financial support or assert power over the churches, Paul willingly gave up this right.

2.     “The missionaries were not seeking the praise of any man but the praise of God. Traveling philosophers and orators were common in the Roman Empire. They itinerated from place to place, entertaining and seeking a personal following for fame and fortune. Paul and his companions had nothing in common with such men! Rather than seeking something for themselves they delighted in giving to others freely.”^[3]

b.     Selecting the Motives God Reveres (1 Thess. 2:7-11).

                                                    i.     The Gentleness of a Mother (2:7-8).

1.     The true servant’s ministry is characterized by motherly love and gentleness 1Thes 2:7-8

a.      Our ministries toward each other should be characterized by gentleness 1Thes 2:7          

b.     Our ministries toward each other should be characterized by affection and love 1Thes 2:7-8

2.     Instead of lording it over God’s heritage, he was gentle among them as a nursing mother caring for her own children. Paul realized that new converts need nursing, and he carried on this ministry with all the solicitude of a devoted mother.

3.     So deep was his affectionate concern for them, he was anxious to share with them rather than to receive from them. His was not a cold, perfunctory dispensing of the gospel of God but a pouring out of his very soul. He loved them, and love is heedless of cost. Like his Master, he did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life (Mark 10:45).

                                                  ii.     The Industry of a Laborer (2:9).

1.     A further evidence of Paul’s unselfishness was working as a tentmaker to earn a living so that he could minister to the people without being a burden to any of them. While it is true that the gospel preacher is entitled to financial support from other Christians, it is commendable to see him foregoing this right, if necessary, from time to time.

a.      A true minister of Christ will continue to preach the gospel whether he receives money for it or has to work to finance himself.

b.     Notice he labored and toiled and night and day. The gospel didn’t cost the Thessalonians a penny, but it cost Paul plenty.

2.     I recall the cool winters when we lived with my grandparents. After school each day my Grandad and I would head into the forest to get firewood for the fireplace. It was cold so we dressed warmly and grabbed a few wood sacks and headed out to the forest before it got too dark to work. We would locate a fallen tree, finish cutting it down or up with our axes and then gather it into the sacks and bring it home on our backs.  Many times, we split the logs in two before we could carry it a half mile on our backs to the home wood pile. Periodically we cut down large oak trees, and this would involve a great deal of work splitting the logs, stacking them, and storing them for use later. This was hard work for an early teenage boy, and I can remember being bone weary and tired from such physical labor.  I believe this is the labor and weariness Paul is referring to.

                                                iii.     The Example of a Mentor (2:10). The believers could testify to Paul’s exemplary behavior toward them; and God also was a Witness that he was devout (or holy), just (or righteous), and blameless. If the best sermon is a holy life, Paul was a great preacher. Not like other preachers whose eloquence was greater than his conduct!^[4] None of the members of the assembly could accuse Paul of being a poor example.

                                                iv.     The Wisdom of a Father (2:11). Fathers must live so that they are good examples to their children. He had lived a dedicated life, while caring for the church family.

1.     His life was holy. He “carefully fulfill the duties God gives to a person.”

2.     His life was also righteous. This refers to integrity, uprightness of character, and behavior. This is the practical righteousness that God works out in our lives as we yield to Him (Phil. 3:4–10).

3.     Paul’s life was also unblamable. Meaning “not able to find fault in.” His enemies might accuse him, but no one could level any charge against Paul and prove it. Christians are supposed to be “blameless and harmless” as they live in this world (Phil. 2:15).

a.      A father must not only support the family by working, and teach the family by being a good example. He must also take time to speak to the family members personally…. To be sure, this is difficult and demanding work. But it is rewarding work that glorifies God.

b.     Paul encouraged the new believers. This is what a father does with his children, for children are easily discouraged. New Christians need someone to encourage them in the Lord. ^[5]

Beloved, our preaching and ministry must be honest, selfless, and driven by an authentic mature love. You see genuine spiritual leadership exhibits transparency, hard work, personal sacrifice, and genuine affection—like a loving mother and a guiding father—rather than manipulation, profit, greed or deceit.  

III.        He Aims at a Glorious Mark of Purpose (1Thess. 2:12).

a.     Accept God’s Invitation Today. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 says, “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.” Spiritual leadership is much like a loving father toward his children—exhorting, encouraging, and charging believers individually. But notice God’s invitation:

                                                    i.     “Walk” involves the daily course of behavior, practical conduct, and exemplary activities. A continuous, step-by-step way of living.

                                                  ii.     “Worthy of God” is matching or reflecting God’s character, holiness, and reputation. We cannot earn or match God’s absolute perfection on our own merit, but our lifestyle should honor the One who saved us.

                                                iii.     “Who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” reflects on a future realm that is a partial reality currently—a high destination and divine invitation. God has summoned believers into His present reign of grace and future eternal glory, which should motivate a distinct, gracious, and righteous lifestyle. Why not submit to our King already?

b.     Labor With Him for Precious Souls! God is really the One doing the calling, moving believers out of darkness and into His own present reign and future heavenly glory. 

                                                    i.     Respond to God Incredible Grace: Obedience and good conduct flow from being called by God, not to force God to call us.

                                                  ii.     Apply Yourself to Personal Care: True spiritual leadership and church ministry involve personal, tailored care—knowing when someone needs a push, a word of comfort, or a firm reminder. (See Knowing Jesus or Bible Ref) 

Criticisms of modern church leaders often center on concerns about self-centeredness, power concentration, and a shift away from traditional pastoral care. Modern leaders are selfish and even toxic!

• They Focus on Self-Promotion: Critics and researchers, such as the Barna Group, note that some modern pastors lean toward celebrity culture, spending more time promoting themselves than serving their congregations. (Malphurs Group)
• They Use Autocratic Control: Toxic leaders often eliminate accountability structures, surround themselves with “yes men,” and punish or sideline anyone who questions their decisions. (Church Answers)
• They Exploit and Use Tithing Pressure: Discussions on platforms reflect a broad consensus that abusive or overly controlling environments frequently feature demeaning approaches to tithing, financial manipulation, and treating congregants as a means to an end. (Carey Nieuwhof)
• They Invert Dynamics (“The Flock for Me”): Observers point out that unhealthy church cultures flip the biblical model of a shepherd laying down life for the sheep into a dynamic where the congregation exists to serve the leader’s ego, career, or financial gain.

Conclusion:

The servant God uses has the gospel as his priority, grace as his motive, and glorifying God as his purpose. It is also true that people will not necessarily understand or appreciate your efforts; they may even take your sacrifices for granted and question your motives. Yeah, it’s a painful reality that the best of God’s servants have and still deal with. Even the Lord Jesus in his tireless efforts for others had many critics still! Many of the very people we serve might even feel like they deserve better obligations or far more from us. They are literally far too immature to recognize the mountainous contributions of other ministers to their welfare! All they can think of is what they want, expect, demand, require…. This is how a baby acts! The important thing to focus on is pleasing our Lord Jesus with the correct motives and activities. This is where our focus must be as servants of Christ. Seek to please God! Do not focus your heart on satisfying every demand of people, concentrate on pleasing your Lord! Rest in His satisfaction and pleasure.

Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, defends their efforts to bring the good news to the Thessalonians, emphasizing three primary focuses:

• A Purposeful Arrival: Their visit was not unsuccessful; it was motivated by a genuine desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ (verses 1-2).
• A Trustworthy Message: They gave a truth-filled message that was free from deception and error, aiming to please God rather than mere people (verses 3-4).
• A Selfless Care: They expressed deep affection for the Thessalonians, sharing not only the Gospel but also their own life, demonstrating the characteristics (care, labor, example, wisdom) of loving parents (verses 7-12).

These verses illustrate the qualities of a true servant of God, featuring integrity, gentleness, and commitment to the well-being of the young congregation. Accordingly, leaders must be servants marked by humility, sacrifice, and stewardship rather than personal elevation. Accountability in healthy church models emphasize transparency, shared leadership, and adherence to scriptural guidelines (such as Titus 1:7) that disqualify leaders who pursue dishonest or selfish gain. (The Gospel Coalition)

Beloved, we must personally emphasize the significance of being a true servant of God who is deeply rooted in the grace of God. Choose the purpose of Christian service because it contributes to the fullness of Christ, and that every believer, regardless of their role, is called to minister to this end. True servanthood begins with you and me as individuals, who embody Christ and glorify His grace personally. These are essential qualities of a servant, including humility, assurance, and joy, all stemming from a deep understanding of God’s grace and plan. God calls us to recognize our identity as servants who reflect the grace of God in our lives. (See T. Austin-Sparks)

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2026.

^[2] Thomas L. Constable, “1 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 694.

^[3] Thomas L. Constable, “1 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 694.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2027–28.

^[5] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 166.

Was Jesus Angry?

Was Jesus Angry? 

Some people attempt to justify their anger under the banner of righteous indignation. They often point to the behavior of Jesus when He drove the moneychangers from the temple. They conclude, “I can be angry because Jesus was angry.” God teaches us the important difference between righteous indignation and ungodly anger.

Why did Jesus get so furious here? What profound truth was He defending, and what does this act of righteous anger teach us about God’s character and our own spiritual lives? Beloved, we are about to investigate this powerful and often misunderstood event, exploring the Temple’s purpose, the nature of Jesus’s holy anger, and the timeless lessons it holds for all who seek to walk in His ways. (Biblewithlife, May, 2026)

LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE EXAMPLES OF CHRIST (Matt. 21:11-17).

  1.  It is True That Christ Expressed Anger on Occasions.

       A.  Christ’s Expressions of Anger Consistently Rejected Sinful Behavior in Others.

             — QUOTE: “Jesus became angry with his disciples when they forbade children to be brought to him (Mark 10:14) and with the hardhearted member of the Capernaum synagogue (Mark 3:5). Similar expressions of anger were directed at the Sadducees (Mark 12:24-27), the scribes and Pharisees (Matt 23:13-36), and Peter (Matt 16:23) and on each occasion represented his rejection of unrighteousness.”   — Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

       B.  Our Lord’s Actions in the Cleansing of the Temple on Two Different Occasions Were Expressions of Anger.  Let's look at one incident more closely.

             1.  Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer,’ but ye have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them (Matt. 21:12–14; see also Mark 11:15–17; Luke 19:45–46). 

The Temple in Jerusalem was more than just a building; it was the sacred center of Israel’s worship, a house of prayer for all nations (Isa. 56:7). But in the time of Jesus, it had been corrupted by greed and human systems.

             2.  Mark added in his account that Jesus would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple (Mark 11:16). Immediately upon the removal of those who were buying and selling, Jesus engaged in his healing ministry.

             3. His righteous indignation was completely without sin and without any diminishing of His spiritual anointing and power. Jesus’ anger in the temple is worth considering closely:

·        He found it filled with merchants and temple money changers.

·        He was upset that the temple, a place of worship, was being used for commercial activities.

·        Jesus literally overturned the tables of the money changers and drove out those selling animals.

·        He quoted scripture, emphasizing that the temple should be a house of prayer, not a den of thieves.

·        His actions demonstrated a call for reverence for God and purity in worship practices.

·        This event highlighted the conflict between genuine spiritual integrity and commercialism of temple related sacrifices and offerings.

Jesus walked into the Temple and found it filled with merchants selling sacrifices (doves, sheep, and oxen) and money changers. While these services were necessary for worship (as travelers needed to exchange their foreign money for temple currency and buy animals for sacrifice), the religious leaders had moved these services into the Temple courts themselves, turning a place of worship into a profitable marketplace. They were taking advantage of the poor and making a profit from the very act of worship.–Biblewithlife, May, 2026

   2.  It is True That Christ Used a Whip to Drive People Out of the Temple (Jn. 2:13-17).

Jesus was in the Temple with a whip whirling and eyes blazing as He cleanses the temple. Jesus is obviously angry. But is it justified?

John 2:13-17,  And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, [14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: [15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; [16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. [17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

       A.  Jesus did use a whip, and his actions did overturn the tables of the money changers.

       B.  Throughout the incident, Jesus' actions were calculated and measured. No riot resulted. Nobody was out of control.

   3.  It is Not True that Jesus Actions Were Sinful.

Throughout the scene, Jesus' behavior was:

      A.  Without Real Violence. We have no record of any person being hurt, but the Savior was forceful and assertive.

      B.  Without Resentment. For example, Jesus did not call upon His disciples to continue the behavior. Nor did He cite any past wrong done to Him as a reason for what He was doing.

      C.  Without Bitterness. Jesus had no held-over feelings against those who were cast from the temple. He did not use a piece of information to threaten or intimidate someone with it. He never mentioned these matters again. (C. Stanley)

Jesus' actions were vented not merely against the individuals themselves but against their actions-behaviors and attitudes, and against the system that allowed buying and selling in God's house of prayer. In every way, Jesus acted in accordance with righteous indignation–holy rejection of sinful practices.  (See Eph. 4:26.)

   4.  Jesus Was Indignant or Angry in a Righteous Way.

He did not sin in what He did or the way He did it.

       A.  Righteous Indignation Is a Healthy Response to Evil.

It is an agitation in the spirit against something that is wrong in God’s eyes, without any partiality toward or against the perpetrators of the wrong. The behavior or circumstance is wrong, apart from the personality of any person. While God detests the sinful act; he still loves the sinner! 

       B.  Righteous Indignation Is Expressed in a Measured and Calculated Way. It does not bring physical or emotional harm to another human being. It is thought through in a rational way, and it is behavior that has been pre-approved by God through prayer. (C. Stanley)

Throughout the Scriptures, we are admonished to speak God's truth boldly and to do so in love. I believe that is what Jesus was doing in the temple those occasions. His words bore great conviction because they were statements of truth. When we speak the truth boldly, we can expect results, too.

       C.  When You Take an Action or Speak the Truth with Righteous Indignation, you must be prepared to reap the consequences that may be associated with the act. Jesus certainly did. The chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people sought to destroy Jesus after He took this action in the temple. (See Luke 19:47–48.) God stayed their hand until Jesus’ ministry among the people was complete, but very soon after, Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified. Jesus was prepared to die for the good that He had done, including this act of cleansing the temple. (C. Stanley)

If you truly act in righteous indignation against evil, then you must be prepared to put your life on the line for what you believe and do. The angry person doesn't do this. To the contrary, an angry person tends to act in hopes of destroying the enemy and then to live with a sense of smugness at the victory. The angry person isn’t at all interested in suffering or dying for the very person who has done wrong in his eyes.

Jesus's anger in the temple is a profound theological statement about God's character, His holiness, and the sanctity of His presence.

A Demonstration of God's Holiness

Jesus's zeal for His Father's house was a demonstration of God's holiness, a holiness that cannot tolerate sin, injustice, and greed. God's presence is sacred, and it must be approached with reverence and purity. Jesus's actions were a powerful reminder that our worship must be sincere and that we cannot turn a place of prayer into a place of greed.

The Atonement: A House of Prayer

Jesus's cleansing of the Temple was a prelude to the ultimate atonement that He was about to make on the cross. He was cleansing the Temple, the house of prayer, to prepare it for His ultimate sacrifice, a sacrifice that would open a new and living way to God's presence. The tearing of the veil (Matthew 27:51 KJV) was the ultimate act of cleansing, a sign that the way into the Holy of Holies was now open to all who believe.—Biblewithlife, May, 2026

THINK ABOUT HOW WE CAN BE ANGRY WITHOUT SINNING.

Ephes. 4:26, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

   1. Anger Can Be a Holy Response to Sin.

Mark 3:5, And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. 

         A.  Jesus was angry about the Pharisees' uncaring attitudes. Anger itself is not wrong. It depends on what makes us angry and what we do with our anger. Too often we express our anger in selfish and harmful ways.

         B.  By contrast, Jesus expressed his anger by correcting a problem -- healing the man's hand. Use your anger to find constructive solutions rather than tear people down.

         C.  We may react to sin in the way that Christ did-in holiness and without desire for personal vengeance (Rom 12:19-21).

   2. Anger Does Not Have to Lead to Sin.

Mark 11:17, And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.  

        A.  Jesus became angry, but he did not sin. There is a place for righteous indignation. 

        B.  Christians are right to be upset about sin and injustice and should take a stand against them. 

        C.  Unfortunately, believers are often passive about these important issues and instead get angry over personal insults and petty irritations. Make sure your anger is directed toward the right issues.

   3. Anger Is a Danger Signal.

Matthew 5:22, But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

        A.  Moses said, "Thou shalt not kill [murder]" (Ex 20:13), Jesus taught us to avoid anger because it is committing murder in your heart. The Pharisees read this law and, not having murdered, felt righteous. Yet they were angry enough with Jesus that they would soon plot his murder, though they would not do the dirty work themselves. 

        B.  Killing Is a Terrible Sin, but Anger Is a Great Sin Too Because it Also Violates God's Command to Love. Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooding bitterness against someone. It is a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage.

        C.  Anger keeps us from developing a spirit pleasing to God. Have you ever been glad that you didn't strike out and say what was really on your mind? Self-control is good, but Christ wants us to practice thought-control as well. Jesus said we will be held accountable even for our attitudes.

Jesus's righteous anger in the temple is not a license for us to act in anger, but it is a call for us to stand for holiness and justice in our own lives and in the world around us.

The Sanctity of God's Presence

Our hearts are a temple of the Holy Spirit. Jesus's actions in the temple are a powerful reminder that we must not allow greed, bitterness, or sin to desecrate the temple of our hearts. Our worship of God must be sincere and our hearts must be pure.

The Nature of Righteous Anger

Jesus's anger was not a sinful act. It was a righteous, holy anger against injustice. This is a profound lesson for us today: anger can be a just response to sin, but our anger must be a righteous anger, an anger that is controlled by the Holy Spirit and that seeks justice, not vengeance.

The Call to Stand for Justice

We are called to stand for holiness and justice in a world that is filled with greed, injustice, and corruption. We are called to be a voice of truth against the lies of the world, and to be a people who are a testament to God's holiness and righteousness.—Biblewithlife, May, 2026

 

Who Is Targeting America's Youth?

Ever wondered why American youth behave as they do? Could there be a link between their behavior and the advertising industry? According to the article “The Influence of Advertising,” some marketing professionals psychologically manipulate children to increase product appeal and bolster sales (http://www.squidoo.com). In the intensely competitive capitalistic society of America, advertising is a multi-billion dollar (http://www.apa.org) industry and an essential element of business and consumerism. Through various media outlets—television, magazines, the Internet, radio, movies, textbooks, and smartphones—youths are bombarded with slick and powerful appeals (http://www.wakingtimes.com). Children’s natural trust, gullibility, curiosity, absence of objectivity, and lack of critical thinking skills, renders them dangerously vulnerable to marketing manipulations and exploitations. Resultantly, advertising negatively sways American youths encouraging choices detrimental to their nutritional, behavioral, and moral well being. Yes, American youths are not only the targets of many advertising schemes, but also the unwitting casualties in the battles for product sales, and lifelong patronage.

Consider firstly the fast food industry and the negative impact of advertising on the nutritional choices of America’s young people. Obesity and relative inactivity among youths are serious and growing concerns according to the American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org). They directly attribute these developments to children’s excessive exposure to fast food advertising by stating,

The childhood obesity epidemic is a serious public health problem that increases morbidity, mortality, and has substantial long term economic and social costs. The rates of obesity in America’s children and youth have almost tripled in the last quarter century. Approximately 20% of our youth are now overweight with obesity rates in preschool age children increasing at alarming speed.... Research has found strong associations between increases in advertising for non-nutritious foods and rates of childhood obesity (http://www.apa.org).

Accordingly an article entitled, “The Influence of Advertising” reported, “Some experts indicate that the average American child views over 40,000 television commercials each year” (http://www.squidoo.com). Because America’s young people, “ages 8 to 18,” are being bombarded by fast food commercials from many media outlets and spend more than 44 hours a week engaging the media, obesity has become a national concern (http://www.squidoo.com). 

Figure 1
Source: Covington, W.

Secondly, advertising that glamorizes alcohol has detrimentally influenced lifestyle choices among American youths. The pervasive nature of advertising literally inundates young people with unhealthy ads promoting the use of beer, distilled spirits, and wines (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org). Such exposure likely stimulates and drives early teenagers’ infatuation with alcohol. According to John’s Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health, about 4,700 young people die annually from “excessive alcohol consumption” (http://www.camy.org).  In an article entitled, “Exposure of African American Youth to Alcohol Advertising,” the same university reported, “Alcohol is the most widely used drug among African-American youth and contributes to many health and social problems, including violence, motor vehicle crashes, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases” (http://www.camy.org). Another critical point they highlighted was the link between African-American youth drinking and advertisements that target them. They write,

At least 14 longitudinal studies have found a significant association between youth exposure to alcohol marketing and underage drinking, even after controlling for other factors that could potentially influence this relationship (e.g., socioeconomic status and parenting style). Specifically, these studies have found that youth exposure to alcohol marketing can increase the likelihood that young people will start drinking at younger ages, and, if they already consume alcohol, that they will drink more, increasing the risk of alcohol-attributable harms (http://www.camy.org).

Research demonstrates that African-Americans are targeted, subjected to, and overexposed to alcohol advertisements considerably more than other ethnic groups. In fact, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth observed that there is excessive exposure to alcohol through various media outlets within these same communities through radio, billboards, and in magazines (http://www.camy.org). Non-discerning young people take what they see in the media as portrayals of reality. Consequently, they are violently misled by the marketing exploits of the alcohol industry.

Figure 2
Source: Zastrow, C.

Thirdly, advertising unfavorably effects morality, social values, and the culture of American youth. The power of the media and advertising cannot be over stated. Commercials address every facet of life promoting products and creating a perception of value for the potential child customer.  Appealing to the natural desire for significance, they present their toys, games, cars, clothing brands, athletic footwear, accessories, sexy bodies, and soft drinks promising they will make the consumer most special. Appealing to the basic desire to belong and feel love, they parade a seductive concoction of cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry, colognes, spirits, beers, fashion products, and sex (http://www.studymode.com) before their audience virtually guaranteeing universal acceptance if one buys their product. This is done in the hope of lifelong patronage. Their marketing strategies include frequent appeals, product popularity, celebrity endorsement, sensuality, narcissistic indulgence, product placement, and peer pressure. Such ploys are launched anticipating an industry return of nearly one trillion dollars in sales (http://www.aef.com). They appeal directly to children and indirectly through children to parents. Everything from toys, food, magazines, and video games to recreational sex (http://wiki.answers.com) are pandered to non-suspecting youths. Many advertisements invent value for the customer through subtle exaggerations or entire fabrications. Consequently, these morale and social values are projected into the culture shaping and fashioning young consciences. Often this transpires daily; preoccupied parents are disengaged while the advertising industry weaves the fabric of their children’s morals. The saddest truth in all of this is the ‘reality’ marketed to young people is an empty lie and will prove to be disillusioning and frustrating throughout their lives.

Figure 3
Source: Zastrow, C.

Though the intention of the American advertising industry is to sell products in a completely saturated and competitive market, American youth are the unwitting casualties. As the industry strategizes to secure lifelong patrons, youths are daily blasted with advertisements influencing them to choose against their nutritional health. The unintended consequence is escalating childhood obesity. Alluring ads and commercials aimed at teens glamorize the use of alcohol and launch young people into lifestyles plagued with social problems, irresponsibility, and violence. The impact of advertising on the moral values and cultural attitudes of young people is not to be down-played. A culture of materialism, greed, selfishness, consumerism, and sex saturation has been spawned and the forecast for the future is woeful if the trend continues unchallenged. Parents must take charge of their young people’s interaction with much of the advertising industry. One key to restoring perspective, wholesome values, critical thinking, and equilibrium to the lives of young people is their parents shielding them from the barrage of advertisements in many media outlets.

References

Advertising to children (2005). Retrieved March 12, 2013 from the Advertising Educational Foundation website: http://www.aef.com/on_campus/classroom/speaker_pres/data/3005

Committee on Communications (2006, December). Children, adolescence, and advertising. Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics 118(6), 2563 -2569. doi:10.1542/peds.2006-2698  

Covington, W. (2012, November). [Magazine cover] Stone cold marketing to young African Americans. The Sacramento Observer/ The SacOberserver.com. Retrieved March 15, 2013 from: http://sacobserver.com/2012/11/stone-cold-marketing-selling-alcohol-to-young-african-americans/ (Figure 1)

Dayanahmz (2012, March). Morality and ethicality of using sexual advertising: “effects on teens segment”. Retrieved March 14, 2013 from StudyMode website: http://www.studymode.com/ essays/Morality-And-Ethicality-Of-Using-Sexual-945276.html      

Dittmann, M. (2004, June). Protecting children from advertising. Monitor on Psychology, 35(6). (Print version: p. 58). Retrieved March 14, 2013 from the American Psychological Association website: http://www.apa.org/monitor/jun04/protecting.aspx

Gottesdiener, L. (2013, March). 7 highly disturbing trends in junk food advertising to children. AlterNet.   Retrieved March 15, 2013 from http://www.wakingtimes.com/2013/03/15/7

Impact of food advertising on childhood obesity. Retrieved March 13, 2013 from the American Association of Psychology website: http://www.apa.org/topics/kids-media/food.aspx?item=2

Musemeche , C. (2012, July). Ban on advertising to children linked to lower obesity rates. The New York Times. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com /2012/07/13/ban-on-advertising-to-children-linked-to-lower-obesity-rates/

The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (2010). Exposure of African-American youth to alcohol advertising, 2008 and 2009. Retrieved March 13, 2013 from: John’s Hopkins University website: http://www.camy.org/research/ Exposure_of_African_American_Youth_to_Alc_Advertising_08_09/

The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (2010). Youth exposure to alcohol advertising on television, 2001-2009. (Special report). Retrieved March 13, 2013 from The John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health website: http://www.camy.org/research/  Youth_Exposure_to_Alcohol_Ads_on_TV_Growing_Faster_Than_Adults/index.html

The influence of advertising. (2012, April). Retrieved March 13, 2013 from: http://www.squidoo.com

What is the impact of television advertisement on youth?  Retrieved March 12, 2013 from: Answers.com: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_impact_of_television_ advertisement_on_youth  

Zastrow, C. (2009, July). Paris Hilton: Cosmogirl [magazine cover] A long-pent-up rant against youth marketing. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from http://www.learningfirst.org/long-pent-rant-against-youth-marketing (Figure 2)

Zastrow, C. (2009, July). Paris Hilton: Seventeen [magazine cover] A long-pent-up rant against youth marketing. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from http://www.learningfirst.org/long-pent-rant-against-youth-marketing (Figure 3)