The American Dream seems to permeate so much in our culture; including within the church. You know, white picket-fence living, big backyard, lazy summers, barbecues multiple times a year, big house, million gift Christmases etc.
You know, living without one care in the world.
Sounds really good, doesn't it? And as Americans, we want to do absolutely anything we can to hang on to that dream and the lifestyle that goes with it. As a culture, we don't particularly enjoy anything that threatens our personal comfort. One need only look at how some are handling this pandemic to know this fact.
The past few years in my personal studies and growing closer to Christ, I question how much this idea of the American Dream is really in keeping with the life we are called to live as Christians.
In this article, I want to tackle the idea of how materialism might be interfering with our walk with Christ.
When I look at America today, I see quite a few things that disturb me in regard to this issue. It is good to consider how much we spend pouring into earthly things as opposed to spiritual. It is good to consider our priorities in regard to doing good for other people.
I will readily admit that it's impacted me too. I think if most of us were honest, we would admit that we, in some way or fashion, have an issue with materialism. It's a huge part of American culture.
It's not a sin to live in a nice house. That isn't the point. The point I want to talk about is how much you cling to those things, and if they are impeding us in any way from having a relationship with God, and doing good for others.
As an example, how often do we find ourselves so focused on our daily routines and things of this world every day? Then, when you lay your head down at night, you come to the realization that you gave little or nothing to God during the day. So, you say a little prayer before you fall asleep because you feel like you should, more than pursuing an actual relationship with Him. On another side to this, we get so get so caught up in what we are doing, that we forget that there are others in desperate need as well.
It's so easy for us to disconnect from the most important things. We are so content and busy enjoying what we have, that we ignore God and others. Or, on the flip side, we are so busy trying to build a perfect physical environment, that we do the same thing.
The Christian life is not meant to be comfortable. (1 Peter 4:12, Ephesians 6:12.) Sure, there are things culturally and blessings we receive that help keep our physical lives comfortable.
But, how much do we praise and thank God for them, truly? And then, how much do we go out of our way to share our comforts and love with others who need it? The things we have are a gift from God, and we should also try to use them to bless others if we can.
See, that is what the Christian walk is supposed to be about: loving and serving God and others (Matt. 22:34-40, 25:35-40). We have to be careful that we don't allow our minds to be so warped by the "American Dream" that we forget what our calling is supposed to be.
It's a reality check that we have to remind ourselves of often. Being Christians, we should constantly be checking in with ourselves to see how we are growing, improving, and bearing fruit (Colossians 1:10, Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 7:17-20, John 15:5.) If we have gotten stagnant, it's a good sign we have let the things of the world distract us far too much.
One of the main purposes of this blog is to help us as Christian women grow closer in our relationships to God and others. And, this is a topic that really needs more addressing. We have to spend more time with God. We have to quit treating service and worship to Him like a checklist item that we just have to get done in order to appease Him.
That isn't love, nor a relationship. If you say you don't have enough time to pour into something like that, then I would really suggest figuring out if that is actually true. If it is, consider what you should give up in order to have that life-giving relationship with God. A relationship with Him is the most important one you will ever have, as it influences every other part of your life.
God and the pursuit of Him brings peace. Throwing yourself into making your physical world as perfect as possible doesn't bring that peace and joy we so desperately crave.
Sure it can make us comfortable and sometimes "spark joy", but it doesn't bring the "peace that passes understanding" (Philippians 4:7.) Only God can do that. Spending more time with Him, and serving others, those are things that truly bring lasting peace. (And, honestly, spending more time on experiences and relationships than stuff makes for a better life too.) Certain things can be fun and relaxing (such as video games) but don't make them the crux of your life.
This is a challenging study for me too. Writing this is convicting me in so many ways, and making me want to continue to get better with this. I want to go against the grain of our culture and really serve God the way He calls us to. I want to have a greater abundance of the things that matter more. I want to spend more time on things that matter:
-Growing closer to God
-Growing closer to the people I love
-Serving others and sharing my blessings with them.
-Fighting for the oppressed and lifting up the hurt and sharing with them the love of Christ.
-Having more experiences and laughter than things.
-More time on developing my talents and using them for God's glory.
This is ultimately the life I want to live. What about you? What can you do today to overcome a materialist mindset and draw closer to God and others?
Love,
Chelsea
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