What can we learn from advertisers?

According to advertising data, the top reasons people buy something are to:

make money
save money
save time
avoid effort
get more comfort
achieve greater cleanliness
attain fuller health
escape physical pain
gain praise
be popular

What does this tell us about the world and ourselves? Advertisers have homed in on our sinful, shallow, self-oriented natures.

I invite you to reflect on these three verses:

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. (Isaiah 55:2)

Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23)

"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15)