The American Dream

I have been preaching a series on "Joy" for the past 3 weeks and will be finishing up this coming Sunday. I had sought God's direction on what the church needed most, and he led me to preach about real joy that is only found in God through Christ by the Holy Spirit. And something unexpected happened along the way.

The series convicted me very strongly, especially after reading feedback from one of our shepherds. In an e-mail to our leaders, I asked what "blinds us" where we think we are seeking or have real joy, when it is only an imitation, based on "short-term" rewards. Quite simply, he stated, "The American Dream." I agree.

What was disturbing, is I had to agree that The American Dream has even blinded me! The American Dream has so permeated our culture and society, that American Christianity is also permeated by it. If God doesn't pay up, giving us the happiness that we pursue, then maybe he really isn't God. We have traded joy based on the greatest gift, joy anticipating the greatest destiny, joy experienced when others come to faith for happiness based on the temporary, the finite, the instant short-term gratification that comes from material possessions, social status, and sensual pleasures.

For instance--a pastor bases his success on numbers and comfort of retirement years (we may argue, but really, don't we?)
For instance--members are more excited when they get a new car or when the Cowboys win, than staying late on Sunday morning to see a believer be baptized.
For instance--people choose a church based on music, programs for them and the pastor's entertainment factor over, "is God' s presence invited and experienced here?" and "is there a place for me to serve and give here?"
For instance--if I don't have a great job, strong retirement fund, three bedroom home, and money to spend on every activity and lesson I can get my kids into, then God isn't blessing me.

Only when we really "know Christ," will our hearts change. Instead of asking, "what would Jesus do?" Let's ask, "What filled Jesus with joy and happiness?" I don't think it was a nice place to lay his head, or to use the funds he received to accumulate possessions, or to achieve social status, or to have an IRA. What gave Jesus joy? Doing the Father's will. Sharing God's grace with others. Making sure the ministry of God continued. Seeing people's hearts change. Worshipping with disciples. Sacrificing himself for the salvation of others. Anticipating being with the Father again. "Knowing" the Father in a relationship that meant all.

It is not the American Dream that will bring you joy and happiness--it is "knowing" God in a way that completely changes your heart. Then you and I will experience the same joy that Jesus experienced, because our pursuit will be like his.