During this election year, the media likes to talk a lot about the American dream. Which candidate will ensure that all American citizens can have the American dream? Why is it that so many Americans have seen the American dream slip through their fingers? It’s a pretty broad generalization to say there is a specific American dream. One of the things that makes our country so special is the fact that we’re all different. What is the American dream? Is it really something all Americans dream about? When the media talks about the American dream, what are they talking about? Is it the same for everyone? Politicians, the media and average Americans are usually referring to the economic dream of each family of 4 owning a home, 2 cars and a yearly vacation.
I’m an American. Is this my dream? While owning a home would be nice, is it my goal in life? Having 2 cars (I should clarify here — 2 working cars) would be convenient, is it my dream? Something I’m striving for everyday? How about a yearly vacation: cruise, trip to Disney World or Grand Canyon? Should these things be what I think about, work for and dream about?
I’m an American but I’m also, and more importantly, a Christian. As a Christian, I should be focused on the Christian dream. It doesn’t look as exciting as the American dream. You won’t find the media talking about it. The Christian dream does not involve things and events here on earth. Instead of home ownership as its goal, the Christian dream looks forward to a life of servitude and dependence on God for our sustenance. Instead of wanting and expecting 2 cars in the garage, the Christian dream longs for a relationship with God and his followers. Instead of a yearly family vacation, the Christian dream looks to the end of time and dreams of an eternity praising our great God in His presence.
The products of the American dream are not sinful. There’s nothing wrong with home ownership or vacations. The problem comes when these physical things become our dream. They become the reason we get out of bed in the morning, the things we think about, the things we work towards everyday. If it’s not the products of the dream that is the problem, then it must be the dream itself.
Our dream should be God. He is the one we should think about. He is the reason we should get out of bed in the morning. He is the reason we work hard. Jesus told us: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matt. 6:33). “All these things” He is talking about are the necessities of life — shelter from the elements, clothing to protect and cover our bodies, food to sustain us.
I’ve never owned a home but I’ve never been homeless. I don’t have 2 working vehicles but I can get from one place to another with the vehicle I have. I don’t get a family vacation every year but I have a family that loves and serves God. God said He would give me the necessities of life if I did one thing — seek God. The Christian dream will never fade away or rust or be forgotten. I don’t need a photo album to remember that God has blessed me and will continue to do so when I seek His will.
Let’s remember that we are to be dreaming, thinking, and working towards the Christian dream. It doesn’t matter what candidate is voted into office. It doesn’t matter what our economy does. It doesn’t matter if our country goes the way of the rest of the world powers that looked to themselves instead of to God for guidance. If we have the Christian dream as our goal, we will be blessed here and throughout eternity.
That was a good article! Thank you for the reminder of what is truly important. Eternity. If we miss heaven, we miss it all!
Earlier you asked about how I got a blogroll on my side bar. Well, I use blogspot, and the blogroll is just one of the choices of widgets you can put on your blog. I had to enter the websites one by one (just by copying and pasting the address of each home page), and it updates the list when the blogwriter updates. I am sorry I don’t know how to advise you otherwise!
Have a blessed weekend.
Roan
Thanks for these words. It is true, it does not matter, if we keep our eyes, and mind, and whole being focused on God, and heaven is truly our goal, the rest does not matter.
It is said that Europeans work to live, and Americans live to work. I always thought that since christianity is what defined America up to these days, men lived a life of service to Him and others. The idea of vacations, time off, luxuries, it is modern, that is why we have so many troubles these days, because man has forgotten how God has created him, to work while on earth and work for His Glory and to tell His Story to others. And no matter who is voted or the direction our government takes, because like you said so nicely, if our dream is what it should be, the christian dream.
Thank you for the encouragement.!