More Than A Consumer
- Leadership Harbor Coach
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”— Romans 12:2 (NIV)
When COVID hit in the summer of 2020, my life was at a crossroads. I was 41 years old,
weighed 382 pounds, and carried more than $200,000 in debt. My daily routine was painfully predictable—long work hours followed by 4–6 hours of television every night. Weekends were for Bible study and church, but even then, I rarely engaged in family activities. Most of my time was spent on the couch, remote in hand.
Then came the pandemic—a forced pause. I got a small glimpse of what retirement might look like: three weeks of endless television. It was a sobering preview of a future I didn’t want. That time of stillness made me realize something hard to admit: I had been a consumer most of my life.
Becoming More Than a Consumer
That realization created a deep hunger for change. I wanted better health, financial freedom, more meaningful activities, and stronger relationships. But to experience transformation, I had to stop being just a consumer.
In the self-help world, there’s a name for people stuck in this pattern—Content Zombies. These are people who constantly consume—podcasts, sermons, books—but rarely apply what they learn. It feels like progress because you’re always learning something new, but true transformation doesn’t happen until you take action.
The Power of Pouring Into Others
Real change begins when you stop hoarding wisdom and start sharing it. You can’t give what you don’t have—but the more you give, the more you grow. When you pour into others, you create a cycle of growth that keeps your own spirit full.
It reminds me of a song I sang in Sunday School, “The Magic Penny” by Malvina Reynolds:
It’s just like a magic penny,Hold it tight, and you won’t have any.Lend it, spend it, and you’ll have so manyThey’ll roll all over the floor.
In the song, “it” refers to love—the true motivator of a disciple-maker. Growth fuels love, and love drives discipleship. If we want to lead others well, we must continually grow. Growth isn’t just about personal success; it’s about being equipped to love and serve others more effectively.
Growth Multiplies When You Give It Away
John C. Maxwell puts it perfectly:
“When you focus more on the wants and needs of others, more of your wants and needs are met.”
The more we give—our time, attention, wisdom, and love—the more abundance flows back to us. Transformation happens not when we consume more, but when we contribute more. So take your growth, lend it, spend it, and you’ll find that you have so much more than you ever imagined.
Go, Outlive Your Limits
You don’t have to stay stuck in old patterns. Transformation begins with a renewed mind and a willingness to share what God is doing in your life. Growth isn’t meant to be hoarded—it’s meant to be given away.
Go. Grow. Outlive your limits.
Aaron Jones
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