When I see Christianity today, I see a struggling body with many self-righteous followers. I have no doubt that the people around me who love Christ do so indeed, but I see many of those people not living as fully as they could for Him, myself included. It's my desire to see people who love Jesus do more than just go to church on Sunday and get their dose of Him for the week. I want to see people truly put to work what Jesus has taught us. Yet, this is a struggle for many of us.
I struggle with dying to myself. I know a lot of people do, and most people on Earth when asked wouldn't think of themselves as selfish. I do. I think that as humans, many if not all of us are selfish in different ways. I'm selfish with my money, and buying things for myself. I'm getting better about it, and am trying only to buy something when I need to. I get scared sometimes when I think of the future, not knowing what it holds. That's why I have faith, and faith is the reason I should be living completely for God.
I'm tired of hearing people say how much they love God, and the next day they go out and buy themselves a brand new Corvette. I know that's probably exaggerating, but I hope you get the picture. Imagine how it would be if we only bought what we needed. Sure, we could buy some things for entertainment, because as followers of God, we need to be happy on Earth so that we may do even more good for Him, but we shouldn't over do it. The money we spend on luxuries could go to so many better places. As consumers in American society, we are socialized into thinking that spending money on ourselves is a good thing. On top of this, we are also socialized to believe in the pursuit of the American dream. Even my mother, a State Senator, would fully support me if I said to her, "Mom, I'm going to pursue the American dream." This shows that our generation of believers can be so much more than generations before us; and actually do the work of Christ instead of pursuing this so called American dream. The American dream is not the answer for how to live our lives. Following Jesus, and putting to work His word. That is the answer.
4 comments:
Hmm. "Following Jesus, and putting to work His word. That is the answer."
Also, you are one hundred percent right on us being selfish. At least, in my experience. I am quite selfish, and perhaps it manifests itself in different ways, but it's wrong regardless of the venue.
This is a great word. Perhaps you don't consider it intellectual, but it certainly is full of truth. I think it's really cool that you can get to a point of "Following Jesus, and putting to work His word," in a few paragraphs, and do so with simple explanations that people will actually understand. I know that I can get caught up in all of the heighty "intellectual" things, and sometimes it's too much. Sometimes you just need to hear stuff simply.
So thanks.
This is a fantastic post! you have driven to a really, really key point: What you do with your money is probably the best demonstration of what you love. "where your treasure is there your heart will be also"
Also your rejection of the morality of consumerism is key.
It's good to hear a fellow voice in spreading the truth about the "so-called" American Dream.
Find someone who wants to step out too. It's easier with someone standing next to you.
A good start to living how Christ calls us is to listen to Him. I had to learn that sometimes it's better to listen than pray.
Make sure that you're hearing God and not Satan. Satan will tell half-truths to point us in the wrong direction.
When you hear God calling you to act, tell someone who will not just stand and walk by you, but, if needed, to tell you to stop stalling and just do it.
Moving a group is the way to go. It's just foolish to try and be a one-man, lone-wolf (Jack Bauer) Christian. But a squad of men 'of one heart and mind' will tear Satan to shreds.
You're sounding like a sociologist.
Better than that...
You're sounding like a Christ follower.
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