Temu Version
You may never have bought anything from it, but more than likely, you have heard of the Chinese company Temu. Because of its aggressive marketing and its offering of very low prices—due to selling Chinese products directly to consumers—Temu has disrupted economies across the globe. This is most certainly the case for the U.S. In 2025, its market share in the discount-store category was over 10% and has been increasing over time.
Some people gloat about never buying from Temu, while others rejoice over how much they have saved using it. I suppose I am in the middle. I do not buy from it religiously, but I have purchased a few products. Rarely do I expect much when paying cheap prices; however, some items I have received were surprisingly well made. Obviously, there were others that were not just poorly made, but also laughably bad.
The rise of Temu has led to one particular meme spreading across social media. Often, it is an image of a weird and worthless product with the simple statement: "The Temu Version." I have often shared a similar sentiment when it comes to TV products. In the past I have said, “If you see ‘As seen on TV,’ it means that it only works on TV.” What is certain is that our society is inundated with cheap junk. Costs go up, while quality either remains the same or is greatly reduced.
One great tragedy is that this “commercialized cheapness” has spread in churches across America. Instead of faith, believers cry out, “Lord, increase our fun!” Instead of deep, broken-hearted prayer, we are more focused on big programs. Instead of feasting on the meat of God’s truth, we consume spiritual snippets on social media. Preachers strive to be “online influencers” rather than loving leaders. Our churches are more like branded corporations than a blessed community. Plain and simple, it is Temu church, church that is shallow and superficial.
If you want to know what real church life looks like, look no further than Acts 2 and Ephesians 4:1–16. Within its community you’ll find repentant hearts, joyful service, loving fellowship, and spiritual growth. You will find boldness for the truth and oneness in the faith. May this kind of testimony be said of Timbers Drive Church.
