I wrote this comment on a friend’s site today and thought I would post it here as well.
I believe that the pursuit of the “American dream” (nightmare?!) is what consumes many people (including Christians) today. We have fallen into the very mistaken belief that we need to have that great job with its amazing benefits, purchase a great house on the lake and all the accessories that come with it, own the cars and the toys and attend the perfect church… It’s mostly a debt-filled pipe dream really, because we all know that life, for most, doesnt work out that way. But generally, that is how we define success. (Look at so and so, they just built a new house, they must be doing pretty well.) And if we are giving and serving the Lord in a church, then it makes us even feel more “successful.” Recently I was challenged by a man who intentionally positioned himself and his family to live among the poor. I was so amazed by this because here’s a guy that could do anything – he’s a real go-getter, motivational and dynamic. Yet, he believes so strongly in what the Bible says in James 1:27. “Pure and undefiled religion before God is to visit the poor, the orphans and widows and keep ourselves spotless from the world.” As he spoke, not only could you see the passion in his eyes, but you could tell that he was truly happy – He is making an impact on a community because he is living among them – not just occasionally sending some money. It is a radical thing to think about living differently, living on faith, living dependant on community. But imagine if at the end of your life, you have nothing at all… no fancy house, no massive trust fund … because you gave it all away serving others. To me, that would be a far better life lived. I look to someone like Mother Theresa who intentionally lived her life that way. And though we are called to many different vocations in all walks of life, the premise of our lives should be the same… love God, serve others.
“The more you have, the more you are occupied, the less you give. But the less you have the more free you are. Poverty for us is a freedom. It is not mortification, a penance. It is joyful freedom. There is no television here, no this, no that. But we are perfectly happy.
I pray that you will understand the words of Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Ask yourself “How has he loved me? Do I really love others in the same way?” Unless this love is among us, we can kill ourselves with work and it will only be work, not love. Work without love is slavery.” (Mother Theresa)
Beautifully written and full of great encouragement. >Darc-
For the sake of argument, note that not all are called to this. Take Job, for instance: he was very wealthy, perhaps the wealthiest in the land, and yet God was very pleased with him and he made a great impact on others.
But our society today is nuts. Much of what you describe in this entry sums up a number of problems that most people in my last church either had, or were developing. There should be no “class system” in the church.
Josh, you’ve probably given up more in the last five years than most will in their entire lives. Don’t stop loving others more than yourself. I wouldn’t want to think of you any other way.
I am with you!!! If only we would live like this life is just momentary and what we suffer is light affliction. If only we could look at it like we are here for only a minute, but everything we do counts for eternity. Could we for the sake of Him….for the sake of love…forsake the temporal…Is it only a distraction anyway……Could we set our hearts on things to come??? Oh, God, how we need your help!!!