Is this Super Bowl commercial anti-American?

There’s a commercial airing during the Super Bowl and you might not immediately recognize the brand it’s advertising. But the message is still the same. Check out the new “He Gets Us” ad.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It’s in the Declaration of Independence– you know, the document Ben Gates stole in National Treasure. But the right to the “pursuit of happiness” is a little distorted when we’re not looking at it through the lens of a Biblical faith. When I worked in television, I experienced the same thing a lot of people do in their work. We’re supposed to want promotions and promotions and promotions. I was working as an Associate Producer and I loved it. Naturally, the next step was Producer. I was supposed to want that role. Except that I didn’t. I was content in my role supporting the Producer and taking care of tasks within my job responsibilities. I almost felt guilty about NOT wanting to move up.

The commercial paints a really great picture of life in America. We’re told that we should always want more. Never be content. Always go for more pleasure, more stuff, more promotions. Stepping outside on a clear winter night is a good reminder to take a breath. Look up… as does the woman at the end of the ad. The ad encourages us to recalibrate our mindset. Let go of the idea that we need, want, deserve all the gold the world has. Only Jesus can satisfy what we truly long for… and as soon as I can get that through my thick skull, I’ll let you know. 😉

-Out of the Wilderness