Amazon has agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the FTC, resolving claims that it tricked millions into Prime subscriptions and made cancellations excessively difficult. The record-setting fine includes $1 billion in penalties and $1.5 billion in consumer refunds. While Amazon denies wrongdoing, regulators say nearly 40 million people were affected by deceptive designs that locked them into recurring payments.
We all love Amazon. Especially with Prime, we can have what we desire when we want it. But in recent news, Amazon's settlement with the FTC leaves us feeling unsettled. Receiving 2.5 billion dollars over deceptive Prime subscription practices, the allegations are clear. Millions of customers were “tricked” into Prime, and the cancellation process was intentionally confusing. While the settlement resulted in $1 billion in penalties, $1.5 billion was refunded to nearly 40 million people. And yet, many of us are left puzzled and feeling bought off.
What does this trade-off have to say about the culture of profit, consumerism, and convenience? And more importantly, when profit is built on confusion and control, how can Christians model a different way—where honesty, clarity, and respect for our neighbors guide every transaction?
A Better Way Of Integrity
No matter what field of work you find yourself in, Christ calls all of us to a better way of integrity. Amazon might be able to out-buy their penalties, but we're commanded to live righteously. From the Old Testament and beyond, God made it clear that He desires:
-Full integrity.
-Total righteousness.
-Fair treatment.
-Humble obedience.
In Leviticus 19:35-36, we see that God called His people to use honest scales and measurements. While many disobeyed this command, He asked them to do this for a reason. Similarly, Micah 6:8 gets at the heart of this issue. God doesn't want our sacrifices or trade-offs; He wants to redeem, restore, and rewire our hearts from the inside out.
"Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:7-8, NIV).
God doesn't just ask us to do what's right, but He also asks us to treat others the way we want to be treated. It's the golden rule, but Matthew 7:12 is essential to our integrity. James 5:1-6 warns against living in opposition to this command:
"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you" (NIV).
The Hidden Cost of “Free Trials” and “Convenience”
While James 5 warns the rich who exploit workers and customers, dark patterns exist in our society. They might look different, but these deceptive practices aren't all that rare, nor are they unique to Amazon. Sadly, subscriptions, streaming platforms, gyms, and even some nonprofits use them. Even and especially when we don't notice them. There is a hidden cost of "free trials" and "convenience," and if we're honest, no one likes or approves of it.
Here's the hard truth: A system that profits from confusion and deception undermines dignity and trust. In contrast, Jesus used plain and clear invitations. His promises are true, and His words never deceive. We have a choice in our response, and that response doesn't just matter to those around us, but to Christ, whom we serve.
How Will You Respond?
In a world that will continue to press boundaries and live unrighteously, how will you respond?
1. Model Integrity in Business and Daily Life
I've heard it said that your private life matters just as, if not more importantly, than your public life. Even if no one else sees how you live or act, God does. Second, if you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or seller, choose integrity over quick sales or sketchy tactics. No fine print tricks. Why? Transparency builds trust and reflects Christ. Even in secular businesses, you can choose to model integrity and a healthy model of entrepreneurship in daily life.
2. Be Wise Consumers
As a consumer, you must read the terms, ask questions, and don’t let convenience blind you to costs. Before purchasing something, signing a contract, or taking an action you're unsure about, practice discernment. There is freedom in knowledge, especially from being enslaved by subscriptions. Everyone loves Netflix and streaming services, but no one loves to be tricked or deceived. Before implementing your own practices, ask yourself: "What would Jesus do? How would Jesus live? What would Jesus righteously and fairly charge?" You can advocate for fairness as a buyer and seller by supporting accountability in corporate systems and laws that protect the vulnerable.
3. Practice the Golden Rule in Everyday Transactions
Whether you're involved with large-scale business corporations or not, you can practice the Golden Rule in everyday transactions—even ones that don't involve money! In business deals, lending, or even small acts (like selling on Facebook Marketplace, PayPal, or Venmo), ask yourself these questions: “Would I want this deal if I were on the other side? Am I charging a fair price? Am I treating them the way I'd want to be treated?"
Choose A Kingdom Economy
Friends, choosing a Kingdom Economy looks different than the world around us. It doesn't have hidden costs or deceptive measures, and no one is exploited. Though false teachers do exist, just like they did in the Old and New Testament times, the true Gospel is holy, fair, righteous, and true. We must not forget this.
Paul's Words in 2 Corinthians 11 warn against such things: "I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough" (2 Corinthians 11:1-4, NIV).
Our call is to live as citizens of Heaven. Though we don't yet live in that Kingdom, we can show the world now that clarity, honesty, and respect are worth more than getting rich quickly through deceptive means. Truth, love, and righteousness are always more valuable than convenience or profit, no matter how tempting or enticing they might seem.
Proverbs 13:11-16 summarizes Kingdom Living this way: "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed. The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction. Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness" (NIV).
A Prayer for Integrity
Dear Jesus,
We live in such a distorted, broken, fallen, and messed-up world. Please forgive us when we act in this way or support companies that support these endeavors. Forgive us when we've chosen convenience or getting rich quickly over integrity and righteousness. You alone are truth and light, and in you, there is no deception. Please help us to model honesty and integrity in our actions and to resist the temptations of greed, confusion, or chaos. May our lives reflect the goodness that comes from living in your ways. We love, praise, and thank you, Lord.
Amen.
Photo Credit: Christian Wiediger/Unsplash
