Being Comfortable
The "American Dream" at least what it means today is to live comfortably so that by the time of retirement, we can sit around, relax, & enjoy the final years of our life. This is all really nice and all but what does Paul mean when he said I've fought the good fight?Our culture tells us that we are successful when we have everything and therefore little if no struggles. Unfortunately, even preachers teach the same topics that if you're a believer then God will reward you w/ prosperity. The dilemma is what does Jesus say about the wide and narrow road? Fighting the good fight means going thru tough times and persevering through them and yet remaining faithful to God.
I'm not promoting that we go to the opposite extreme to live like the homeless but if we are comfortable over a period of time, then are we really fighting anything for the kingdom of God?
posted by Mercy Now @ 10:23 PM
4 Comments:
I remember seeing a phrase one time that said: don't pray that God takes away all your problems, pray that God would make you a stronger person.
You don't hear very sermons on the quote from Jesus that says: "in this world you're going to have many troubles." It's nice he didn't stop there: "but take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Mercy, I think that you are right in saying that living the easy life isn't supposed to be the goal. Instead it is to glorify God in all that we do. That may or may not mean that we end up living comfortably in a material sense. What is sure is that we will be living comfortably in a spiritual sense if we give our all for Christ.
The apostle Paul noted that if we are fed and content, we're blessed. My family is actively trying to get reasonably close to that level--not failing to save for future expenses, but not working to get into a bigger house, either, or a new bimmer or whatever.
Good points by all. I think that among Christian evangelicals, we tend to do just what our culture tells us, and that is to get the best and greatest. If you have a Toyota, then get a Lexus or a Benz...etc.
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