The American Dream

Hey Ya'll! Long time, no see. I felt compelled to come here to SI and write this morning on a subject that has been on my heart for a long time. It's "THE AMERICAN DREAM". I went to the internet this morning and saw a speech posted by Michelle Obama. I clicked on it and listened to a portion of it. She said, America is a place where you can make "it" if you try. What is it? She was talking about the American Dream.

I googled "What is the American Dream?" and this was the answer I got through Wikopedia...

[i]The American Dream is belief in the freedom that allows all citizens and residents[1] of the United States to achieve their goals in life through hard work. Today, it often refers to one's material prosperity, which is dependent upon one's abilities and work ethic, and not on a rigid class structure. Although the phrase's meaning has evolved over the course of American history, for some people, it is the opportunity to achieve greater material prosperity than was possible in their countries of origin, for others, it is the opportunity for their children to grow up and receive an education and its consequent career opportunities, for still others, it is the opportunity to make individual choices without the constraints of class, caste, religion, race, or ethnic group.[/i]

I don't have much time this morning, but I just want to get this little conversation going. I once heard a man say, "The kingdom of this world is the kingdom of self-preservation, but the kingdom of God is the Kingdom of Self-Denial."-Ray Hughes

I sooooo believe this little truth (or the lack of it) is one of satan's biggest tools in his arsenal. Satan is so cunning and so powerful that he found the achilles heel of all peoples and that's where he struck. Self-ish-ness. Then, he went to the church and began to agree with God with an, ever so slight, twist. "God loves you. He wants to give you abundant life. He wants to take you to the Promised Land. He wants you to be happy. He wants to give you the desires of your heart. You are his child just like Jesus. You deserve everything heaven has to offer and that is alot!...and on and on it goes to the point that the gospel has had a little bit of the world mixed in, day after day, year after year, till now, you've got these so-called Christians who know nothing about suffering. When one little thing goes wrong in their life they start rebuking the devil. The devil, the devil, the devil. They think the devil causes everything bad and God causes everything good and God and the devil are like two withches fighting with their magic trying to undo what the other does. It's disgusting.

I say, The American Dream is a lie. I'm sure there is a degree of it that is true, but, because of the spirit behind it, it's a lie. It isn't from God.

Many believe that "freedom" is the foundation on which the American dream is based. Everyone believes that this is the highest aim of man. However, if one were to look to Scripture one would find that this highest aim of man is rooted in the lie of Satan.

Scripture points to the first example of a created being seeking "freedom." Lucifer, once known as the "light bearer" and "morning star' who sought freedom from God's kingdom. God changed his name to Satan, the "adversary."

From that moment on in God's creation, the fruits of 'freedom" have been sown by the Adversary. We know that according to Scripture man is never free. He is either a seed of Satan or a bondservant of Jesus Christ. The liberty that Scripture speaks of is that which frees fallen man from the grips of the destroyer, the father of lies...

Be careful of the one who promotes "freedom" as the aim for which men should should die for in this world....

In Christ
Jeff

The freedom you speak of is not freedom at all... it's is occultic rebellion against God. Most of the founders of America were rebelling against MAN in order to freely worship God.

I see your point, Krispy, but what I was referring to in "American Dream", you must admit, the definition for the majority of this world has changed. And...the reason I've even brought this whole thing up is to expose the subtle twist the entire concept has taken over time. It has polluted the gospel in America, having been blended with it as the definition of "success" that much of American Christiandom has adopted.

I can only speak for myself, but honestly, it has all but ruined me in usefulness to God. I've been years now trying to sort out the Truth from the lies. I feel defiled & still struggle with the mental pollution (double-mindedness). I hate it. It's a worse curse than many realize, to have grown up thinking a lie is the truth. For years, I've pursued the "American Dream" of success, only to discover I've been an enemy of God...Ohhhhh!

I want to say this twice...In the words of A.W. Tozer..."O Lord God Almighty, not the God of the philosophers and the wise but the God of the prophets and apostles; and better than all, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, May I express thee unblamed? They that know thee not may call upon thee as other than thou art, and so worship not thee, but a creature of their own fancy; therefore enlighten our minds that we may know thee as thou art, so that we may perfectly love thee and rightly worship thee" Prayer by A.W. Tozer

The thing that is bothering me in all this political bantering is how both sides keep "using" the talk of "the American Dream" to try to suck us in. I, for one, when I hear that phrase, just want to puke.

Reply to all

If you are referring to the concept of achieving the American dream by getting a collage education and a great paying job and living happy ever after? It is a lie.

I believe there is much injustice in America and that our national commodities are being embezzled from us and controlled by monopolies that are buying up the rights of ownership from congress to all of the airways, waterways, mining and drilling, in such large segments that all but the super rich are excluded. The super rich are locking up the basic commodities for the next generation of discoveries for the benefit of the same old same olds. I see large public service companies that have failed miserable in providing service awarded ten year extensions by county commissions and the city leaders they control.

If you mean living the American dream by taking your place in this generation and forwarding the Christian principles that the American family was founded on then I say the dream is alive.

That has been our banner and shining light to the world through out our history. True Americans are conceived into a continuing family that builds our lives upon the precepts of The Holy Bible.

Were the first or second generation perfect? No. Our new nation didn’t end there but endures and will continue to endure as long as each new generation steps forward and is tempered in the forge of our Christian traditions.

I am proud to be a member of a family who has been willing to take up the mantle generation after generation never quitting, never starting over. The battle is never hopeless because we have God as our Lord.

Eddie

I was reading through this thread with interest and got thinking that the American Dream could easily be extended to the Western World dream. A product of capitalism I guess.

If you are referring to the concept of achieving the American dream by getting a collage education and a great paying job and living happy ever after?

This was instilled into me as a child and is very much a bedrock of culture in the Western World. It always seemed to me as 'normal'. As I've grown in Christ,however, I've realised that He is everything, but I often get waylaid because this culture is so ingrained not only in society, but in me.

I believe there is much injustice in America and that our national commodities are being embezzled from us and controlled by monopolies that are buying up the rights of ownership from congress to all of the airways, waterways, mining and drilling, in such large segments that all but the super rich are excluded. The super rich are locking up the basic commodities for the next generation of discoveries for the benefit of the same old same olds. I see large public service companies that have failed miserable in providing service awarded ten year extensions by county commissions and the city leaders they control.

Yeah, the whole thing is ruined by corruption. Kind of inevitable really. It's still probably the best system though, but it just needs more integrity at the top..... but we're back to man and his fallen nature.

The nation of Israel, during the time of Jeremiah,
backslid from the Lord. They exchanged their relationship with the Father for the idols of the heathen that surrounded them.

Jer 9:23 ¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Jer 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

They sought to be free from God...and glory in the "wisdom" "might" and "riches" that this world has to offer.

The fruit does not resemble the nature of Christ but the nature of Satan...

In Christ
Jeff

Hi Spitfire...

I think that I understand what you are saying. The "American Dream," as illustrated by the mass media, is the belief that any American can educate himself or work hard and earn enough money to buy his/her own house, car, furniture and start a family of four or five. It shouldn't be confused with "competing with the Jones" -- because that is rooted by those who fulfill the "American Dream" but still want more than their neighbors.

The idea of the "American Dream" probably began within our Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote, "[i]We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness[/i]." This final phrase ("Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness") was borrowed directly from English philosopher John Locke, who wrote against the idea of the "Divine Right of Kings." Locke taught that all men are born with a "tabula rasa" (or "clean slate") and that no man is born greater than another with the exception of Christ. Locke went on to write that all men have a natural right to "[i]life, liberty and estate[/i]" (estate being property). His philosophy had a powerful impact on the men of his time...and especially the "founding fathers" of the United States. John Locke and a French student named Rousseau also devised the idea of a "social contract" by which people give up certain small rights in order for a created government to maintain "decency and order" in the nation (for instance, speeding laws).

Even though this idea or "life, liberty and property" existed from the mind of an English philosopher, it wasn't fully realized until it was put into practice in the United States. It was interesting that Thomas Jefferson borrowed the phrase directly from Locke, but changed "property" to "the pursuit of happiness." However, we should remember that most nations of that time allowed only nobles and feudal lords to own property. The greatest sign of wealth was not in printed money or gold, but in the ownership of property. Many biographies about Jefferson indicate that he had a difficulty with the phrase, but simply could not think of a clearer phrase for our natural rights than "the pursuit of happiness."

Is it a lie? Well, not exactly.

In this nation, a person is supposedly born with a “tabula rasa” in which we are all born with “equal opportunity.” Any person, with enough determination, can succeed to the point of fulfilling a goal of owning property. Of course, we take such property ownership far more lightly than peasants who were forced to work on the land of lords in the feudal days of Europe. Even as Republican forms of Democracy eventually settled throughout Europe, the idea of owning property or a business was scarcely realized. That is the reason behind the mass immigration into the United States during the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries. People came to “fulfill the American dream” – in which they once quipped that “the streets of America are paved with gold!” I don’t think that anyone thought that American streets were actually paved with gold. Rather, they were probably making the point that anyone in the nation had the opportunity to succeed.

This is largely true. While some men are born into wealth and status, many individuals were able to rise from the ashes of poverty in order to succeed in this nation. America is filled with stories of individuals who came to the United States in order to make a life for themselves. Many early Americans came through English “indentured servitude” programs (a contract of seven years of hard forced labor in exchange for travel expenses to America, a plot of land and about $2000 after the seven years were complete). Many poor in England were quick to sign up for such a program. There was far less opportunity in the Old Country, and the prospect of actually owning a small homestead was quite appealing – despite the prospect of almost “slave” labor. Yet this was what many contemporaries attributed “the Protestant work ethic” toward. Men were instructed in Church to avoid the sins of “laziness” and work hard to provide for the needs of their families. It created a unique situation in which hard work actually paid off – which was quite different than conditions in Europe and Latin America.

But the question needs to be asked: Should owning property even be such a lofty goal?

Abraham was an extremely wealthy man blessed with great wealth. He amassed great herds of livestock. He could have built a large palace on a large ranch. Yet the Bible says that he preferred to dwell in a tent as a traveler…because he “looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Now, I am not sure just what Abraham was looking for. Perhaps he had a vision of the New Jerusalem…and wanted to find it on Earth? Or perhaps he simply realized the fleeting nature of this life, and that true value is only in the things of God.

Owning property is not a sin. Even working to own property is not sin. In my opinion, it is a whole lot better than owing rent. In America, with a bit of hard work and effort, a person can actually own property and build a house – debt free. In fact, the realization of the “American dream” is not a lie. Many people who start from nothing grow to the point in which they rise above poverty. People go to school in order to educate themselves so that there is a greater opportunity to provide adequately for their family (a high school and/or college degree certainly provide better opportunities compared with those without such things). However, even uneducated individuals can work hard enough in order to get to a point in which they can own a house and car without debt.

My wife’s family immigrated to the United States in order to realize such an “American dream.” They arrived legally from Mexico while my wife and her nine siblings were still in school. Her father and mother have 5th grade educations, but they realized that opportunity to succeed in the United States was far greater than in Mexico. My wife’s entire family worked as migrant farm workers throughout the United States. They lived in extremely poor conditions (at one time living in a travel trailer and taking showers outside with a water hose). Yet their father pushed upon them a strong work ethic for both jobs and education. As a result of their migrant labor, they purchased a nice plot of land in Texas. Over time, their family built a little shanty house…and now a better two-story brick house…entirely debt free!

My father-in-law is a part-time janitor at Wal-Mart. He cannot speak English. Yet he has fulfilled what most people would consider the “American dream.” He has a nice home, a couple of vehicles, and he has watched all of his children graduate from high school and college (with the exception of one who just began college last year as an Architectural Engineering student and the youngest who will begin college at Stanford next month). Most importantly, they are a strong Christian family. They all are dedicated servants of the Lord!

I suppose that the important thing to realize is that, yes, you can achieve the “American dream.” It is not a lie in the sense that it is obtainable (and that there is nothing wrong in and of itself). However, it can be deceptive if the pursuit of material possessions becomes the catalyst for living. My father-in-law sacrificed greatly so that he could fulfill his role as a godly father and provide for the needs of his family. This should be the extent of our “dream.” Like Abraham, our pursuit should be for the things of God – particularly, to see His Face. In this pursuit, we should strive to be good providers for our families. Yet we should all be so unattached to the things of this world that we are ready to depart at any time. Our “value” and “happiness” should be completely in the things of God and in fulfilling the instructions that He has given us. Part of those instructions is to take care of our families. I suppose that the difference is that we find contentment with the things that God has given us without resorting to pointing the finger at the wealthy as if they were part of some great conspiracy. Some of them, believe it or not, started out just as poorly as my father-in-law.

“Wealth” is so fleeting. Over 80% of this world lives below the levels of the poorest welfare families in America! I am disappointed when I see people living in a governmental project home complain about the “hand that he was dealt” – when there are literally billions of people in the world who are fighting starvation every single day! The “American dream” for such people is just to survive or to watch their children survive.

May God help us to be good providers – but to also be content with the things that the Lord provides!

Hi Krispy...

KrispyKrittr wrote:

To paraphrase Larry Norman in his classic song "The Great American Novel"... the rich are "more equal" than the rest of us.

Of course, it is a lack of contentment to be greedy and lustful for more simply because you covet the things of this world. It is a different thing to simply want to adequately provide for your family. However, I think that the jealous nature of some poor -- who always point the finger at the wealthy (who might have become that way through honest, hard work) -- is just as disappointing as the lustful heart of a greedy fellow. The key is to pursue God. As we pursue God, we are content with the things that God provides -- including the opportunity to better provide for our families without straying into the realm of "competing with the Jones."

:-)

The religious leaders of Jesus' generation looked back to Abraham in his day as we look back to the
founding of this nation....one generation is not the same as another. The American Dream has become a nightmare...

We as a nation are bankrupt. The princes of this generation are like those who Jeremiah prophisied too...

Jer 5:26 For among my people are found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

Jer 5:27 As a cage is full of birds, so [are] their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.

Jer 5:28 They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Why not focus on today for today is the day of salvation?

In Christ
Jeff

Reply to all

I almost deleted this after typing it but I decided that it will be my last post on this thread.

I am as conservative as anyone you would ever meet but the death tax makes more and more sense every day. I agree that to continue a business it takes a lot of capital outlay but some resolution should be reached that prefers work over winning the gene lobby.

When I see the average age of the politicians at the public trough rising sharply I think term limits are a must..

What a man or woman earns by his or her labors should not be embellished one dime through public tax money or political advantage if the recipient is above the poverty level.

Abortions of American unborn babes are being publicly financed by the same political crowd that wants a fresh supply of foreign workers who remain silent in the shadows with out workmen comp, company health insurance, or basic workers rights. Hard working people who’s bills for public benefits are picked up by the people who’s job they have taken.

Our governments tells foreign governments in trade negations “take our products and we will take your workers to manufacture them.

We have only two chooses to vote for in most elections, the trial lawyer’s Tweed Lee Dee or the chamber of commerce’s Tweed Lee Dumb.

Just food for thought. I hope I didn't offend.

Eddie

Amo 2:4 ¶ Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:

Amo 2:5 But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.

Amo 2:6 ¶ Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;

Amo 2:7 That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the [same] maid, to profane my holy name:

Amo 2:8 And they lay [themselves] down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned [in] the house of their god.

The princes of Madison Avenue and Wall Street resemble the generation Amos was sent to warn. Like the men of Jeremiah's time these men have forsaken God and have gone after Satan. They have promoted the American Dream in a way that causes most to err and stumble.

The evidence of Satan's work is very clear for those who hear the word of God...

Most Americans, in the pursuit of this American Dream, have already spent their children's children's inheritance. To maintain this American Dream most have gone deep into debt without regard to whom this debt is owed.

This is not the work of God but the work of Satan who has sway over the things of this world.

The pursuit of the American Dream in this generation has been led by the father of lies...

In Christ
Jeff

The pursuit of the American Dream in this generation has been led by the father of lies...

And speaking only for myself, I was duped. My parents were workhorses who came out of poverty and declared their Christianity, but they taught me that this world's definition of success was the real defining thing in one's life. Somehow, I thought my Christianity could be blended with "arriving" at financial freedom, but riches are deceitful, and Oh, how cunning and subtle is that deceit! I felt like a failure when I couldn't unlock the "secret to success". I was depressed and despairing and hopeless...not a very good example of the Testimony of Jesus Christ.

Anyway, if you're a politician, don't talk to me about the American Dream and how we all deserve our shot at it. Dian.

Sis wrote:

I thought my Christianity could be blended with "arriving" at financial freedom, but riches are deceitful, and Oh, how cunning and subtle is that deceit!

I share the same path. My children have been blessed with sound minds that enable them to excell in the ways of this world. I struggle as a father as to what I dream for my children.

Men seek to be glorified by their wisdom, might, and wealth. Everything this world glorifies, every message that is proclaimed somehow weaves it's way into promoting the glory of man and not our Lord.

In Christ
Jeff

I thought my Christianity could be blended with"arriving" at financial freedom, but riches are deceitful

Amen.

Two things I've learned not to trust. The conservative folly of equating wealth with virtue, and the liberal folly of equating poverty with virtue. I've seen the vilest sense of entitlement in both schools of thought. Entitlement is the virtue of hell, and is rooted deep in our hearts.

We can't imagine not having a house, so we can't imagine not going into debt for it. Once the doorway to debt is opened up, we hear Christians apply their new sophistication to acquire every other thing they feel entitled to, but have not earned with their own hands as the bible commands. How grievous that even houses with God's name on them are owned by banks.

It is a hard truth...who can hear it? Well, our children can. I don't care if they have to live with me untill they are my age, I will plead with them to not live as the world.

The bible says that he who desires to get rich quick will live to regret it. Because our idolatrous eyes can only see the object of our affection, we worry that this scripture is warning us that we might lose our wealth suddenly. Well, there are worse forms of grief then that. Indeed, many know the pain of looking at the third world Christian peasant and weeping that they now have a portion of Christ that we indebted here in the west cannot pursue. Oh weep and howl you rich men!

And a house is wealth indeed. He who thinks he deserves to take a fine one for himself without having the money to pay for it will not out smart the scriptures in that regard. To Spitfires point, many of our generation have poured out our lives as a drink offering...but not for Christ. We are told what we can afford is the payment, when I believe the scriptures define what you can afford as what you can pay for.

Brethren, sell what you can, and pay off the rest in the next few years. Don't do this because the 'economy is going to collapse.' or some other heathen reason. Do it because it is God's wisdom for his people.

This is not a problem unique to America. Wesley preached that in England, not only did Christians wantonly disobey Christ's command to not store up earthly treasures, but they energetically encouraged their children to also disobey this command. And we are their children.

Brothers if I could be self-righteous in this matter I would be a fortunate man indeed. I can only say, that the bible is true in this regard, and every man a liar. So do not listen to my worthless perspective for I have a resume of a slow learner...listen to the Word of God. The heart is pierced through with many griefs indeed over the love of money. First it is pierced with the grief of unrealized earthly happiness. Second, and most painful of all, it is pierced with the grief of unrealized obedience to Christ.

Truly, financial freedom is not looking in your bank account and seeing many dollars, but looking in your heart and finding not even a penny there. I confess for me this is oft still a dream, but a one far better then the worldly one. And unlike the worldly ones, heavens dreams are real.

In closing, there may be some tempted to advise me of the practicalities of debt, and living in the real world ect. Brethren, I've gone further in Egypt more then most men I've met, and so I've seen the end of the matter. If God judges you early, rejoice as a son for his mercy! For even a little chain is just as enslaving as a thick one. True freedom is in being able to provide for your family with dirty hands and a clean conscience. You don't need the systems of Egypt for that.

How fortunate we are to be called from all the nations into a holy nation,

MC

Hello…

Is the American Dream a lie?

What is the [i]American Dream[/i]?

It seems like nearly everyone’s answer is different.

If you speak about an American Dream that results in an individual longing for fulfillment from the things of this world, then yes, I would say it is a lie. The things of this world are empty and unfulfilling if our hearts are set upon the things of eternity. As Compton reminded us, the Scriptures teach us that wealth is deceitful. Many men and women have lost their spiritual compass out of a love for the things of this world. I feel that the greatest deception of the prosperity movement is that it literally teaches people to place importance upon the things of this earth while encouraging them to always desire for more. God wants us to be content. We should resign ourselves to be content with those things that God provides for us. This proves difficult to some because “the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life” are always warring against our contentment with Christ alone.

If the American Dream is simply a label given to a desire to adequately provide for the physical needs of your family, then I would suppose that this is not really a dream, but a [i]prayer[/i]. You might even say that it is a [u]responsibility[/u]. I have seen sincere individuals who are godly in nearly every other manner of life; yet they do not strive to adequately provide for their families. It is not that you are placing value on food, clothing, houses or transportation; rather, you have placed value with the well-being of your wife and children. I have known men who meander from job to job – who are sometimes forced to “ask” other believers (really, they are “begging”) to help them pay their rent or bills. Yet these same men are bold in their doctrine and messages! I have known “career preachers” who are so zealous for the things of God and even preach against furthering our educations. However, they are too lazy to get a job (you know, one that productively earns a paycheck) when things get tight, and prefer to burden the congregation with pleas for help so they can buy a new car.

What is the value of the things of this world? Jesus told us to not concern ourselves with such things in Matthew chapter 6. If God can clothe the grass and birds – think about how much more He cares about our needs! However, there is a vast difference between being free from worry and laziness. The key, I think, is to be content. I have known individuals in the third world who were content with the things that they had. I have met Tarahumara who live in caves and huts without water or electricity, but constantly testify to the provisions of God! In America, even the poorest of people live better than 80% of the world! Yet there is a level of discontentment at work. It is this quiet discontent – or desire for more. Some will even point at the “better-off” and accuse them of exercising deception as the manner in which they earned money. They do not understand, as the book of Proverbs explains, that “wealth” can come as the result of good, continuous, hard labor.

As Americans, we are often unaware of the futility of our thinking. We believe that someone is poor simply because they live in a two-bedroom government housing project and drive a car that is more than five years old. They complain that they are so poor that they must rely upon the government to provide enough food to survive for the month. They can’t store money into savings or purchase new shoes or clothes. However, in most nations, this would be considered RICHES!

As I said earlier, my wife’s family had a different dream of America. Her father realized that America provides an economic opportunity that doesn’t truly exist in Mexico. Her father worked hard until he could afford the legal fees for immigration. They eventually moved to the United States with only the clothes on their backs! Through very hard migrant farm work (a family effort of nearly 16 hours a day), this family earned enough to purchase a plot of land. On that land, they built a small shack (that resembled a shanty house). It was a makeshift house that was a constant “work in progress.” Their living room furniture and mattresses were found on street corners. They never had an air condition (difficult, I would think, in the hot, humid, subtropical Rio Grande Valley of South Texas). Their clothes were collected through hard work – and most of it was gathered at yard sales. At one point, their “showers” were located outside behind a sheet hanging on a clothes line. Yet if you asked this wonderful family, they were fulfilling their own “American dream.” Yet their dream doesn’t resemble the dreams of so many others! They are content with what God has provided – and rejoice in the fact that they were able to watch their children serve their Lord wholeheartedly and graduate from high school and college!

Shortly before we were married, my wife’s family moved out of their little shanty house and into a two-story brick home that they completed with their bare hands. It took them several years to build. It is by no means a fancy house. Much of the building materials were free. The rest was paid for slowly over time (as the result of her father’s part-time job as a janitor at Wal-Mart). They still do not have air-conditioning. They get some of their fruit and vegetables from their little garden. They still get their clothes at yard sales. They make all of their own tortillas, and never go out to eat. Yet ironically, my wife’s parents are a little embarrassed by their home. They are extremely content and feel almost overwhelmed by the blessings of God! However, they sometimes worry that they have become “rich.”

I think that this is the key to any sort of idea about the “American Dream.” Are we satisfied with what God provides us – without resorting to laziness or pointing the finger at those who have more? Do we lust for more? Are our hearts set upon the things of this Earth? Or are we, like Abraham, looking for and preferring a city [i]whose builder and maker is God[/i]?

This is a danger for believers in the world today. There is an epidemic of worldliness in a Church that almost encourages us to desire the things of this world! The prosperity message teaches us to [u]want[/u] more. Contentment simply teaches us to thank God for what He provides without longing for more. Jealousy points the finger at those who have and accuses them of taking from those who have not. But God simply wants us to have our hearts set upon “things above” (and not of this earth). He wants us so detached from this world that we are ready to depart at any time. He wants us to live in such a way that, if we were to know the date and time of our departure, we wouldn’t have to change a thing. Yes, we should endeavor to adequately provide for the physical needs of our families. However, we should also endeavor to teach them to value things of eternity above the temporary pleasures of this life.

It is easy to point to the term “American Dream” and call it a lie. The fact remains that this is a land of opportunity that is not realized in many other nations. Any person from extremely humble origins can work hard and get to the point where they can adequately provide for their families. Is this truly “sinful?” Or is the sinfulness and deception found in the fact that so many people are lusting for more? I’ve always thought that it is hypocritical to “give thanks” for our food – when in reality we are trapped in a continuous lust for more. I think that true contentment is simply the realization that this life is so TEMPORARY, and that our primary purpose in life is to give honor and willing control of our lives to our Creator. This might not be an “American Dream,” but it should be the dream of believers.

Brother Mike wrote:

Entitlement is the virtue of hell, and is rooted deep in our hearts.

This idea of "entitlement" has come to my attention lately across many different paths. I have noticed that the notion of "entitlement" foments the root of bitterness to one degree or another. Thankyou for adding to my understanding brother...

And a house is wealth indeed.

My 15 year old son spoke to this 3 days ago. He had learned in school that if one owns his own home and has food to eat, one is in the top 10% of the world's population in term of wealth. If one owns his home and has money in the bank, one finds himself in the top 7% of the world's population.

So do not listen to my worthless perspective for I have a resume of a slow learner...listen to the Word of God.

I too am a slow learner...but I have come to the same conclusion because of the same path...the Word of God.

We are working towards paying off everything we owe by January 2009...and then to live one day at a time looking for the Lord's daily provisions...

Brother Mike thank you testifying what the Lord has worked in you...

Your brother in Christ
Jeff

The message of contentment is one that is needed, truly! "Godliness with contentment is great gain."

Yet the message of the deceitfulness of "riches" is also necessary. "Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in the day of slaughter."

Two generations ago families worked together with their hands to provide for their food and means of support; things are not much like that in this day. (Not that there are not any, but very few.)

What more, the standard of what is an "adequete" provision has changed dramatically in the past 50 years, or so. What was once the goal: a simple, functional home with space for family to reside together and room to accomplish the needful things of life has become a 5,000 square foot "villa" on the edge of town with a t.v. in every room and so much space that the lady of the house has to hire the housework done.

Furnishing are [b]big business[/b]! with each one striving for that "just right look". I have seen with my own eyes folks who have spent literally thousands of dollars to make their new furnishing appear old. Importing of expensive wood products, hand woven rugs, antiques that previously were handed down from generation to generation scrambled for at auction to the highest bidder who probably had a "buyer" for it.

Not to mention that junior had a few good pieces of clothes for school, plenty of clothes for working with on the family farm or in the family business; and worked not so he could go spend it on games- but to help the family, or to establish a savings account for school or other future. Now, I see juniors whose clothes cost more than I can even fathom, because they feel the need to keep up with current fashion name brands, and so on.

Men of God such as (gospel for Asia?), have said that the lunch that the pastor bought for him at the cafe was more than the offering that the church gave him for his goal of his people reaching his people for Christ.

Our thinking, as a general rule, of what is important is askew. Nothing wrong with Junior getting a further education, but what about those that simply provide a party ground for some care-less youth? I've seen too many youngsters that count it as nothing that mom and dad have poured out their lives for their sakes, and choose to live a selfish, wanton life. It's quite another thing when working meant provision for life, not provision for foolishness.

It is not simply the "prosperity" teachings that have led us down this road; it is also the thinking that "I" is the center of the world, and whatever "I" want, "I" should get. Selfishness, covetousness, and greed have fueled the "desire" for more, better, bigger, faster, get in debt cycle that we now see in the western world, America being the largest consumer nation in the world.

If only we could see that we, as Christians, are part of a kingdom that is neither American, or western, nor selfish, not self seeking, not self exalting; but God exalting- how true that if we are content with God we will be content with whatever our provision is- whether it is a cave, or an old mobile home, a cabin, a tent, or a home we built with our own hands. (Very rare that people can do that any more without going into great debt!)

I'm thankful that I have live here, I eat the best food (course I'm careful about what it is, but I have access to the best food); I drink the freshest, cleanest, water; I breath the cleanest air, I sleep in a comfortable bed, I can go for a walk in the morning and not have to worry about bowing down to my debtor and praying for good traffic.

BUT! I don't want to take any of it for granted, I don't want to be full of "delicious living every day", I want to be thankful for every sunrise and every breath, I want to be willing to live at whatever standard God has determined for me. "Make me neither rich nor poor," "But let me work my hands that which is right that I might have to give to him who has need." That's been our family prayer for a long time.

James 4; Rev. 18

God bless!

Wow!!!! I was overwhelmed as I read these last few posts. Thank you all so much, Mike, Jeff, Chris, Lori...! I'm speechless! You guys brought out every detail, every point with such clarity and forethought! This thread should be a book!

Sometimes we don't fuss and argue here. Sometimes we actually have friendly, productive sessions! I love you guys. Just, Thanks. Dian

The American Dream for me is that I could be self-sufficient and independent and yet follow Jesus at the same time. The Holy Spirit is exquisitely breaking this heart and all I can do is to give honor to the name of Jesus.

Seek ye first the first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added (or given) unto you.

The reality is that Jesus has been carrying me (and you) all along but we thought we did some great thing. The American Dream is full of pride and Jesus is faithful to break this in own heart's who is willing to forsake this.

The American Dream is full of pride and Jesus is faithful to break this in own heart's who is willing to forsake this.

Amen.

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. Is. 10

For years, I've pursued the "American Dream" of success, only to discover I've been an enemy of God...Ohhhhh!

Dian,

Dear sister, bless God that our stony hearts give way to a river of shame watering the barren places. You are right, you and I were ruined for God. You and I treated God as an accessory to a fulfilled life. We had no time for prayer, except to ask for things. Once we realized that God wasn't going to oblige us, we didn't even have time for that kind of prayer. In truth we had no desire for the presence of our Creator, for the simple horrible fact we didn't love him. Whatever did we think we were going to do in heaven, if we didn't have a simple love for God? But we loved ourselves so much that eventually we were so weak with self pity that the only reason our stony hearts could weep anymore was for our unhappiness.

Praise God that he does have pity, just not on us. But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Isaiah 10

Shame before God is not one of our dandy doctrines. We can't pull it from the shelf like a book, dust it off, and read it before the congregation for a response. Shame comes in like a bomb, and instantly brings our life to ruins. No one wants that. Deep down inside, we want to think that for the good in us we deserve the blessings around us.

But the dreadful sight of our true sin is not some tasty peanut butter and evanjellical sandwich served up with milk and cookies at First Baby Boomer church on main street. The realization that as professing Christians we were enemies of the Judge of Righteousness rips our heart out. Our true sin is not that we watch too much TV, or that we have too much money. Away with those discussions! Our greatest sin is that we truly did not love Jesus Christ. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema.

Pause.

I lick the dust. American Dream? Where are my dreams, American or otherwise? When well meaning saints talk about the Lord someday blessing me with some thing, the small precious holy flame in my heart flickers and is threatened to be snuffed out. Oh vile friends of the world, take away all your negotiations on my behalf...how much money God will allow me, how much television I can watch, ect. I am in the presence of the actual God, and not the one I projected in my mind that wants to oblige my will. He obliges only his Holy Name. There is no smoke, but only the clarity of truthfulness and light. And in that light I am an abomination to the Creator of the Universe.

Pause.

Then why oh why would he do this?

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.

Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.

This is the national dream of the citizens of Heaven. Praise God for a glimpse of it in my heart. Repentance is the most precious gift a sinner can receive, and we dare not negotiate with it or put it on the shelf to collect dust. I am humbled to be here with all of you from around the world to share in this gift and to share in Christ.

Maranatha.

MC

Psalm 17
13 \tArise, O LORD,
\tConfront him, cast him down;
\tDeliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,
14 \tWith Your hand from men, O LORD,
\tFrom men of the world who have their portion in this life,
\tAnd whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure.
\tThey are satisfied with children,
\tAnd leave the rest of their possession for their babes.

Is the substance of our dreams defined by the Scripture above?

Or are we experiencing the word of God in a way that causes us to redefine what the world dreams of?

During Jeremiah's generation, the people also sought "freedom" as the highest aim of man...

The Lord tells Jeremiah this...

Jer. 23:16 Thus says the LORD of hosts:
\t“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you.
\tThey make you worthless;
\tThey speak a vision of their own heart,
\tNot from the mouth of the LORD.
17 \tThey continually say to those who despise Me,
\t“The LORD has said, ‘You shall have peace” ’;
\tAnd to everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say,
\t“No evil shall come upon you.’ ”

Almost everyone in Jeremiah's generation sought freedom to walk "according to the dictates of his own heart..."

Yet listen to the words given to Jeremiah 23:
28 \t“The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream;
\tAnd he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully.
\tWhat is the chaff to the wheat?” says the LORD.
29 \t“Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD,
\t“And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

Are the substance of our dreams experiencing the "fire" and the "hammer"? Is the substance of what we hope for being transformed by the power of the Holy Scriptures?

In Christ
Jeff

[i]Blessed is the poor is spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.[/i]

My husband and I once attended a church where there were many people who had more financial means than the "norm"; and one Sunday an elderly gentleman was invited to preach. He had been a faithful servant of Christ's for 60 some years, and focused himself on studying and praying, preaching and teaching, even teaching in their denominational college. He was a very simple man, very quiet and not flamboyant [b]at all[/b]. He got up and immediately had my attention as he said, [i]I have prayed much and sought the Lord concerning what His words would be to this last day church, and they are simple words. Really only one. It is [b]repent[/b].[/i] He went on to speak about the 7 churches in Revelations and the message of Christ to most of them. It really was a very powerful message, and I was very sad to see when the pastor got up at the end and diminished everything the elder had said, and not many would even go to greet him.

Shame comes in like a bomb, and instantly brings our life to ruins. No one wants that.

How that reminds me; "to us belongs shame of face..." (Daniels prayer- who really had no reason for "shame"), how much better to suffer some shame while here where we can repent, instead of hiding our faces in shame at His coming.

I would rather see myself, in a heap, at the feet of the Lord, then thinking I was doing well until that awful moment when I saw Him face to face. How terrible and fearful that would be.

[i]Be not conformed to this world[/i] Not moulded, not shaped by it's theories or way of life, not deluded or deceived by it's desires or teachings; [i]but be transformed by the renewing of your mind[/i]. What a wonderful thought! That I can have my mind re-newed! That my thoughts would fall into line with what Christ thinks, that I should have desires for godliness more than for gain, that I would love what He loves and hates what He hates! Oh, how overwhelming, how awesome! Lord, make it so.

A dear friend of mine once said: [i]The reason we have no revival is that double-minded, half-hearted men have stood in the pulpits and have not preached the Christ of the gospels. They have too often said what itching ears wanted to hear, they have not caused the people to repent, to see where the direction that they're going in ends up. They don't want to hear that they're not alright, that God is not happy with their selfish ways, He's not amused by the things they delight in. All too often, they have ignored what Christ redeemed them for and passed by those Christ would redeem. Until the Church of Jesus Christ wants to know what God thinks about them, about what they think about,how they spend their time, their money, their lives on more than [b]anything else![/b] Revival will only be something they long for and will fall short of.[/i]

I can not compare myself to the standard of any country on this earth, I must compare myself to the standard of Christ.

Our greatest sin is that we truly did not love Jesus Christ.

We all have much to learn day by day,what a blessing it is though, to see the reality in our hearts in the light of Christ now!Oh, by God's grace may we learn, may we grow, may we receive grace upon grace! May we know, desire, love to do the will of God more than our own!

Sorry, I meant to press preview first...
Just one closing thought:

Charles Tindley[i]Nothing between my soul and the Savior, naught of this world's delusive dream: I have renounced all sinful pleasure, Jesus is mine; there's nothing between.
Nothing between like worldly pleasure, habits of life, though harmless they see, must not my heart from Him ever sever, He is my all, there's nothing between.
Nothing between, like pride or station: self or friend shall not intervene: tho' it may cost me much tribulation, I am resolved, there's nothing between. Nothing between my soul and the Savior, So that His blessed face may be seen. Nothing preventing the least of His favor. Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

I hope I haven't steered too off the course. Thank you for your patience.

Love in Christ,
Lori

Sister Lori wrote:

How that reminds me; "to us belongs shame of face..." (Daniels prayer- who really had no reason for "shame"), how much better to suffer some shame while here where we can repent, instead of hiding our faces in shame at His coming.

How often do we hear this precept in Scripture...

Jeremiah 20:

7 \tO LORD, You induced me, and I was persuaded;
\tYou are stronger than I, and have prevailed.
\tI am in derision daily;
\tEveryone mocks me.
8 \tFor when I spoke, I cried out;
\tI shouted, “Violence and plunder!”
\tBecause the word of the LORD was made to me
\tA reproach and a derision daily.
9 \tThen I said, “I will not make mention of Him,
\tNor speak anymore in His name.”
\tBut His word was in my heart like a burning fire
\tShut up in my bones;
\tI was weary of holding it back,
\tAnd I could not.
10 \tFor I heard many mocking:
\t“Fear on every side!”
\t“Report,” they say, “and we will report it!”
\tAll my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying,
\t“Perhaps he can be induced;
\tThen we will prevail against him,
\tAnd we will take our revenge on him.”
11 \tBut the LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One.
\tTherefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail.
\tThey will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper.
\tTheir everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.
12 \tBut, O LORD of hosts,
\tYou who test the righteous,
\tAnd see the mind and heart,
\tLet me see Your vengeance on them;
\tFor I have pleaded my cause before You.
13 \tSing to the LORD! Praise the LORD!
\tFor He has delivered the life of the poor
\tFrom the hand of evildoers.
14 \tCursed be the day in which I was born!
\tLet the day not be blessed in which my mother bore me!
15 \tLet the man be cursed
\tWho brought news to my father, saying,
\t“A male child has been born to you!”
\tMaking him very glad.
16 \tAnd let that man be like the cities
\tWhich the LORD overthrew, and did not relent;
\tLet him hear the cry in the morning
\tAnd the shouting at noon,
17 \tBecause he did not kill me from the womb,
\tThat my mother might have been my grave,
\tAnd her womb always enlarged with me.
18 \tWhy did I come forth from the womb to see labor and sorrow,
\tThat my days should be consumed with shame?

Are we experiencing this kind of life..."Why did I come forth from the womb to see labor and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

In Christ
Jeff

Sister Lori wrote:

It is not simply the "prosperity" teachings that have led us down this road; it is also the thinking that "I" is the center of the world, and whatever "I" want, "I" should get. Selfishness, covetousness, and greed have fueled the "desire" for more, better, bigger, faster, get in debt cycle that we now see in the western world, America being the largest consumer nation in the world.

This is what the Lord is looking for...

Ex. 18:21 Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Men of truth will hate covetousness, have you seen this in Scripture?

In Christ
Jeff

Men of truth will hate covetousness, have you seen this in Scripture?

Luke 12:13-15 Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”

MC

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your *affection
[i]*(phroneo- to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be {mentally} disposed more or less earnestly in a certain direction; to interest oneself in...... Strong’s Concordance)[/i]
on things above, not on things of the earth...
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil *concupiscence
[i]*( Strong’s: a longing {especially of what is forbidden})I had to see what was meant by this word, so I thought I’d throw it in..[/i]
and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Col 3:1,2,&5

“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words, make merchandise of you....” 2 Peter 2:3

“The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor, but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.” Prov. 28:16
______________________________________________________________

Interesting message I heard this morning, I’m not sure I could give it the expression it deserves, but the essence of it was basically this:
[i]“And whomsoever shall fall and this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it will fall, it will grind him to powder.” Mt 21:44

God has given to men to be the rulers over this life, in a way that is discerning over what is the will of God for their lives, their families lives, the churches lives; what is the purpose of God, what is correct, what is right.

Much like the judges of old Israel to be without partiality or covetousness, in order to make correct determinations and to be able to hear the Word of God, to have it functional/real in your life and in the lives of your families, etc.

But as Samson had a Delilah in his life. An idol whom HE allowed this place in his heart, a place that belongs only to God. Not simply Delilah, but also that place of self strength- that place of building your own kingdom and not the kingdom of God; it had to be ground to powder in the life of Samson. And every man who has been called of God to be a partaker, a man of God, will experience this in one way or another. This was done in order for the will of God to be made a reality in Samson’s life. (Though it didn’t work out for Samson’s long life, he did get to be an example of God’s man in the midst of his life on this earth.)

Far too many men look at another man that stands on this earth and pronounces the Word of God with disdain. They become offended, not in a way like a woman will very often do, a man will look at you like: “I would like to hurt you.” They will reason in their own hearts that this man who stands here has faults, this man who stands here is only human such as I am, who appointed this man to be a judge over me?! Instead what we humans should ask ourselves is this: If I am recognizing a knife in my heart, a conviction over this or that, and all that is standing here is this 5’9”, 160 lb. guy; what will I do when I face the Lord of Lord’s? How shall I stand in that day when all the thoughts and intents of my heart are brought up without any reserve before the very fire of God? An all consuming fire, a God that you can NOT contend with. A God who is not there to appease you.

If I am being corrected by God, if I am being convicted by a word spoken by some preacher or teacher or person in the Lord; I can, by my own will chose to go my own way. I can refuse the correction of God and I can go in a direction of my own choosing. But it is not for my good to do so.

The man of God must be humble, willing to allow the Spirit of God to take whatever He chooses and break it. He must sometimes be humiliated in front of other people in order to tear down his pride. He will often be tried in areas he thinks are beyond what he sees others around him being tested in and be willing to surrender them, all. He must learn to distinguish the voice of God above his own voice. He must not only be a receiver of the grace of God, but a giver. He must make a place for grace to work in his household, to be available for his wife and his children. He must take that grace with him everywhere he goes: in the marketplace, in his heart towards other people he occasionally comes into contact with, especially with those who are sinful and bound.

The people of God must be ready and willing to allow God to clear [b]everything[/b] off the table: that table they set with all their dreams, wishes, hopes, desires, loves, and wills; and give God the authority in their lives to do with it whatever He wants, and to add back whatever He chooses.

If you fall on this rock, you may be broken but the grace of God will flow through your life.

If you are ground to powder, because you have given yourself to Christ, but you have not taken it as seriously as He has; it will not work out very well for you. The wind may blow you away: you may spend your whole life worrying about what tomorrow will bring, fear and greed may run their course in your life. Your own will that wants to naturally, exercise it’s will over those around you will bring bitterness and rebellion. You may establish your own self imposed religion, which does not have it’s root in God, but rather self righteousness and hypocrisy. And like a man whose head is under water you’ll wonder why you can’t hear from God, why you can’t see the direction He’s going, it’s because you took your eyes off Christ and you sank.

It is His mercy, His patience that is beyond understanding that we are not consumed! He who has given us breath, has given us the chance to repent. He whose grace is superabundant beyond any sin would give us the opportunity to lay our lives down, to take up His life and be a vessel that’s full of the love and grace of God.

If we do not have this working in our own homes, don’t expect it to be working in the church down the street. God gave gifts to men, and gave the men to the church.[/i]

I’m sure there are things I will remember that we said later that I would have wished I would have added, but I think I hit the highlights. I just felt compelled to share it, as it was so closely related to what has been spoken about. Please forgive the long post.

Love in Christ,
Lori

Jeremiah 10:23

O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

For those who are believers we are told that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of the air and the principalities that are over man. We know that in this world Satan's influence has caused a great darkness.

We also know that God gives His Holy Spirit to bring light into this world which is the express image of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We know that according to Scripture there are two fathers. There is Satan and there is our Heavenly Father. We also know that there are only two families. The seed of Satan and the Seed that delivers the believer out of the kingdom of darkness and conveys he or she into the light.

So therefore as is stated in Jeremiah 10:23
O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Man either reflects Satan, his father since sin entered the world or man reflects Christ.

Man's hope either reflects the hopes of this world or man's hope reflects the hope that Christ has given to the believer....

The hope of this world is like Satan's, to be free to follow the dictates of one's own heart and to seek to satisfy self.

The hope that we have in Christ is to have the Father grow our love for Him through Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

What is the substance for which we hope...is it defined by the "American Dream" or the Holy Scriptures?

IN Christ
Jeff

I say, The American Dream is a lie. I'm sure there is a degree of it that is true, but, because of the spirit behind it, it's a lie. It isn't from God.

I agree with the whole post, especially this statement at the end. The American dream is a lie, its a deception and it focuses on self and self interests rather than focusing on God. The end result brings glory to self; The American Dream is all about the "self-made man" and how he cam from nothing and acomplished "everything". Its almost trying to play God in the role of how He started with nothing and created all things. The American Dream gives a false hope and false security. How? It causes you to believe that your success will be infinite, long lasting and once you reach the sky..thats it, "no more hard work, youve made it." Well, the believer knows that nothing is infinite besides God. Mans success only lasts for a season: His family, friends, big business,the house, car, and white pickett fence, his American Dream only lasts for a season..and then what? Its over, the man who fullfills the American Dream and is not right with the One True God will have finite success and infinite death and condemnation...all his hard work and dreams will mean nothing. Im sure this is what the "rich man" experienced when he went to hell after he died (Luke 16:19). Maybe in that day they called it the "Israeli Dream". Maybe not, lol, but in the end it didnt matter about the house, car, 1 wife and 3 kids in the yard; it was all about who was in the arms of Paradise, and who was begging for a drop of water?
You cannot serve God and mammon. If you observe the American Dream, youll see that it causes you to put your entire soul, mind, and heart into it; just as you are to put your soul, mind, and heart into Christ. If youre not putting your all into "the dream", then the men of this world will tell you "you dont want it enough".
Just because the land we live in presents so much opportunity, it doesent mean that all opportunity is of God and God-willed. I heard a minister say that "its amazing how much America has acomplished without God". Thats a dangerous statement, because we know that if we build our own kingdoms...they will fall. Dont let your "freedom" in this country take the form of reckless ambition and then find yourself giving God a list of things that you want Him to do to make your "customized dream" complete. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness...because this country will fail you, the "American Dream" will change, and it will fail you, men will change as well and they will fail you, but "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Everything that does not give Him glory, in the end will be consumed. I believe that the American dream is based on bringing glory to self...therefore it will be consumed! What will you have in the end? Where will you be when the dream dies?

Son of Man

I think that we all agree that lusting for the things of this present world is a trap. However, I can't help but wonder how many of us who are so obstentiously opposed to the term "American dream" could be judged by brethren throughout the world who see us living in lovely houses, driving modest cars or owning at least five changes of clothes?

This is why I meant that the American Dream holds a varying definition dependent upon whom you ask.

Is it wrong to own a house? Is it wrong to rent a decent house or apartment? Is it wrong to own a car? Is it wrong to have a refridgerator and freezer stocked with food? Yet most of the world lives in near total poverty! Many of the families that are attempting to enter this nation illegally simply dream of such things.

I remember how I felt during my first missionary trip to the mountains of central-western Mexico. Many of the indigenous Tarahumara lived in damp caves and were experiencing a drought. Their main food supply, corn, was shriveling up. The field rats and deer had long run away, robbing the villagers of its main source of protein. At one of the meetings, an old pastor told the missionaries, "All we have left is Jesus."

During and after that trip, I remember how blessed that I felt for the things that I had been provided. Starvation is a way of life for more than half of the world's population. If they were to see the excess of even the most modest Westerners, would we be embarrassed? Would they think that we were living the "American dream?"

While a graduate student, my wife studied overseas in Salamanca, Spain. She rented a room from a woman who always complained about "rich, wasteful Americans." She forbid my wife to turn on the lights, and provided little food in return for the enormous cost of boarding. My wife lost quite a bit of weight that semester! This woman constantly complained about America and the wealth of the United States. Oddly enough, however, this same woman did everything she could to act like she lived like an American. She purchased nice furniture, appliances and even televisions. Yet she was only putting on a front to make it appear that she was enjoying such things. In reality, she didn't let anyone sit on the furniture, wouldn't allow anyone to watch TV or turn on the radio or computer (waste of electricity) and only turned on the air conditioner when she was trying to impress a visitor. In a way, this woman was begrudgingly pursuing the "American dream" in Salamanca, Spain. Yet she complained about "rich Americans" all the time!

If the axe is laid to the root, I suspect that we would go after the sin of chasing after the things of this world as though they provided fulfillment or pleasure. I don't think that there is anything wrong with owning a house or a car (or a refridgerator, for that matter). But there is something terribly wrong with always wanting more. We, who have so much, are prone to never be content with what God has provided. Instead of enjoying what God has given, we look to what more we can get in the future.

I suppose that the "American dream" of many Christians is more of a prayer that God would provide for their needs. In this sense, the "dream" is not confined to America.

We should avoid greed, covetness, and the lust for the pleasures of this world. We should instead be content for what we have and rely upon the Lord for what He gives.

:-)

For myself, I think the real issue here is the bondage of debt, even more then the materialism. Many feel entitled to things they cannot actually afford. This is the basic fallen nature. Yet Christians are called to resist the impulses of their natural man; to live another life.

(Edit)

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love

Notice here love is part of a disciplined character. Our Christian life is not powered by sentiment or good intentions defeated by lusts and impulses, but the power of Godliness.

I think this is what Diane was saying. A call to reconsider what we are dreaming about.

(edit: By debt, I am not talking about catastrophic causes for debt such as extensive health problems. May we have kindness and generosity to those who are caught in storms of this life and find themselves suddenly struggling to survive.)

MC

There is a documentary that describes how the men of this world seek to control the appetites of the masses. They have sold us the American Dream to the point that we would borrow the inheritance of our children's children to acquire this dream.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8953172273825999151&ei=17zGSM3uKIaorQLG_IHYDg&q=century+of+the+self

In Christ
Jeff