What you see is what you get

2 Corinthians 4: 18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

When I first started exploring computer applications back in the 1990’s, I kept seeing the acronym “WYSIWYG.” Most of my usage in industrial education was in graphics, CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) and numerical control (robotics, etc.).

WYSIWYG was driving me crazy; what could that possibly mean? I expected some long technical jargon that would be far beyond my level of intellect to understand. Finally, I discovered it was initialing “What You See Is What You Get.” The reference was to imply, whatever one sees on the screen, will print out on paper.

WYSIWYG became a byword for me in those early bit and byte years. It applies in so many different areas, not just computer graphics.

In so many cases in life this assumption simply does NOT apply, especially in the products we purchase and consume. As any typical morning, I have a list of things to do for the day. Today was no exception and when the hunger pain hit about 10ish, I grabbed a banana and kept going.

My energy level doesn’t last as long as it did forty years ago, so if I’m going to get things done, it must happen early. Peeling the banana, the noticeable weight of the peeling was obviously half the product. For the consumable part of the banana I paid $1.58 per pound, not seventynine cents.

A dozer operator working for me several years ago said he and the machine spent half the time backing up. Consequently, the dozer was only moving dirt half of the time. I paid $100 per hour for a machine but it actually cost $200 per hour for the work that was done.

When we buy several kinds of meat, some of the producers have pumped the meat full of water to make it weigh more. When you buy a load of rock at a local quarry, if it rained the night before, you are buying rain water.

A classic example of NOT being “What you see is what you get,” are microwavable meals and other totally prepared foods. A very small part of the price we pay is for the food product.

I fully understand today’s consumer is not prone to buy and prepare such foods as dried beans or rice or “make a cake from scratch” as grandma used to do. They may, however, be in for a rude awakening very soon. With rising prices in the markets that practice may return as a requirement for eating.

In teaching consumer awareness, I taught my students with many products, a large part of the price you pay is for packaging, shipping and advertising. What you see is NOT what you get!

Apparently, from actions among the younger Americans, I’m seeing, very little, if any, is currently being taught in our public schools concerning, money management/ budgeting, consumer economics and awareness or the planning of one’s financial future. Yet, simple, basic economics is a must for survival in today’s world.

Not to be knowledgeable of the simplest rules of these concepts can mean a miserable financial life for many. A recent research report stated the second leading cause of marriage failures is money problems and spending disagreements.

The three rules for personal financial success are simple: 1. Spend less than what you earn. 2. Save and invest the rest; and 3. Do it for a long time. Perhaps this process seems too simple for some to accept or they’re not inclined to wait for their dream to be experienced.

We are constantly blind-sided by manufacturers, producers and advertisers concerning product information. To not tell us the whole truth is apparently seen as legitimate in a capitalistic society. The primary goal is to “make money,” not provide a product. The product and consumer are secondary. Advertising, in large, has become “song and dance” and tells us very little, if anything, about products.

Due to these shortcomings, many have totally lost the feeling of trust for anything or anyone. We must learn to investigate, research and evaluate products, their reviews and even talk to other purchasers. Trust is on its death bed and reliability is low on the priority list.

I have noticed everything is wonderful with many sellers or manufacturers as long as the money is flowing in their direction. Combining the concepts of a lack of buyer awareness and a lack of trust, consumerism is not what is once was. Once again, the old rules do not apply.

Thankfully, with competition, many of the producers of goods and services are competing for your business and maybe those practices of deception are soon to be lessened; we’ll have to wait and see.

For example, we can thank the foreign auto manufacturers that American made vehicles will now last beyond 100,000 miles. Competition works!

Christianity has also entered into this “compete or die” arena. Choices have to be made in the secular world in which we live. What will your decision be?

Another practice in the business world seems to be “Don’t tell them unless they ask.” Have Christians adopted this attitude about telling others about Jesus? Has it become a suitable practice to only be a Christian on Sunday morning from eleven am until twelve?

Obviously the answers to these questions vary from one mind to another. Should our faith in the Lord Jesus be kept secret? If one really believes in eternity by a faith based belief in Christ Jesus as crucified and resurrected, why would we not share it with everyone we meet?

Many believe they can dream up their own beliefs without any foundation whatsoever. I choose to rely on an age-old book proven to both the skeptical and the non-assuming mind.

Discernment, belief and acceptance will no doubt vary from one mind to another. Perhaps rather than consider where there is the most proof, we should consider where there is less reinforcement and those notions that emerge from personal preferences and opinions.

To follow a religion or belief based on someone’s life preferences is not good judgement in any person’s world.

Acts 4: 12 “For there is no other name given under heaven among men by whom we may be saved.” The Apostle Luke in writing this verse was referring to Jesus. There is nothing hidden about His offered salvation.

A simple lesson we can take from this is that the old saying “buyer beware” certainly applies. Perhaps we should add to that, “believer beware!”We can rest assured there is no hidden agenda in the Gospel of Christ Jesus. The Gospel is a tenant of faith of over 2 ½ billion people. Jesus asks for no payment except belief. To be a believer-follower is not only a special privilege. It is humbling to know our Creator died for the sins of the world and that includes you and me.

Van Yandell is a retired industrial arts teacher, an ordained gospel evangelist and a commissioned missionary.

He is from Fredonia, Kentucky.