Recently someone indicated to me that they felt boycotts were pointless since they don't directly lead others to Salvation. Hmm, guess this person shouldn't brush their teeth or do any other action that doesn't directly lead to the Salvation of some one's soul. Of course, since we disagreed, he tacked on the typical "I guess it's just a matter of personal preference". I said no more on the subject but have thought about it a great deal since.
The boycott of Target is clearly to make an example of the store chain. They will no doubt profit from all of the Christmas shopping being done at their stores and yet, they have banned the use of the word "Christmas" in their public and in-store advertising. They also banned the Salvation Army ringers beginning last year. Granted, they've now got some online wish list thing (teaming with Salvation Army) that's supposed to make up for banning the ringers I guess. The fact is, people go Christmas shopping for Christmas presents and Christmas trees. Notice they aren't banning the sale of these items just the name.
As I was thinking about my "personal preference" in regard to boycotting Target, I've decided that the person I mentioned before is mistaken. It's more a matter of "personal conviction". Personally, I would prefer to continue shopping at Target. There's so much I do like about the store and have chosen it over Wal-mart numerous times because of selections. However, I've prayed about this and feel a deep conviction that Christians really can't just sit quietly and allow God to be blotted out. Obviously Target has the right to promote whatever they want. Apparently what they've missed is that I have the right to shop elsewhere. I have the opportunity to join other Christians in a boycott to make that point.
It's funny but this same person who felt it was "intolerant" to boycott a store apparently has no qualms about judging a father he saw yell at his kid in Target the other day. He went on for a good 15 minutes about how lousy this dad must be because he lost his temper. Hmm, I don't know about you, but I'm not a perfect parent. I've had days where I've raised my voice. Is it right? Of course not but I can certainly see how a parent could yell in frustration. We have no way of knowing what that man's day was like. What if he'd just gotten word that his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer? What if his house was robbed the day before? What if his boss was pressuring him because he wasn't meeting the "Holiday Quota"? We just don't know. We know he didn't haul off and hit the kid but was frustrated and yelled. He was labeled a lousy father who didn't love his family by this other man. The same man who wouldn't dare hold Target accountable for blotting out Christmas had no problem judging a man he observed for less than five minutes.
Being a believer isn't just about going to church and singing hymns. Obviously we must chose our battles but aren't a good number of us just sitting in our comfy pews and ignoring the assault on our faith. Sighing that we wish things were different but "hey, what can ya do?" Boycotting may not make a difference in Target's stance, but what if it does? Other stores are already changing their tune after being bombarded with letters from Christians all over the nation. Walgreens has declared they will change their advertising next Christmas and Lowe's has changed the signs referencing their "holiday trees" back to "Christmas trees". Even the white house has given it's Christmas tree back the name it held prior to being changed in the 90's.
Now, to address the stance that it doesn't lead others to Salvation I have one question:
If Satan had nothing to gain from eliminating "Christ" from the "holiday equation", why would he bother?
No, I am not saying Target is Satan. I believe Satan is behind all things orchestrated against Christians and that is why the question above is worded as such.
Obviously I don't believe boycotting is pointless. You are free to feel that way if you so desire, but please don't say it's a matter of preference. I've often preferred the products or companies I've boycotted but have been convicted in my heart that I needed to stand for what I believe.