The American Dream EVENING

Introduction  According to Wikipedia: The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States, a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. The American Dream is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims that "all men are created equal" with the right to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Practical Meaning  Belief in certain personal rights  Life  Liberty  Pursuit of Happiness  Belief that hard work will result in better physical circumstances than those currently experienced  Belief that the next generation should be better off than the current one  Success is defined by  net worth  social circle  physical possessions  keeping up with (or out-pacing) the neighbors

What is wrong with this picture?  Assertion of personal rights is to be controlled by God’s will – Matthew 5:38-42 (NKJV)  You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.  Just because we have the right does not mean we are allowed to assert it against others

What else?  God’s view of our rights:  Right to Life/Liberty – Our lives have been bought and are now in Christ’s control – Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  Right to Pursue Happiness – We are to pursue eternal joy not earthly happiness – Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  Our lives are not our own

Anything else?  How does God define success?  Hebrews 11 – faithfulness is the key  Revelation 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21 – overcome in this life to gain in the next  Mark 8: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  Everything in this life means nothing unless it deposits treasure in heaven – Luke 12

But is this sinful?  Covetousness – inordinately or wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions; greedy.  Colossians 3:5 – equivalent to idolatry  Materialism - preoccupation with or emphasis on material objects, comforts, and considerations, with a disinterest in or rejection of spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values.  Matthew 6:19-34  Placing the physical before the spiritual is just as bad as rejecting the spiritual  Put God first! Make sure our children see this in us.

Practical Examples  School/Work/Extra curriculars instead of worship  Homework/early bedtime instead of worship  Lack of preparation for Bible class while always prepared for schoolwork  Focus on career goals instead of spiritual training and maturity  Both parents working long hours to make ends meet because of excess possessions: boat, vacation home, luxury automobile, expensive habits, private school, etc.  Many actions that are not sinful by themselves but are used as excuses for lack of service and worship  Losing our children and grand children due to this!

What to do?  Change our view of our rights to match God’s  Change our definition of success and teach it to our children/grandchildren  Work on our schedules and finances to conform to God’s will