“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’”—Matthew 16:24 (NIV).
Area residents from diverse backgrounds were recently interviewed by a large metropolitan newspaper. They were asked how they felt about the American Dream, how had it changed over the past decades and how hard is it to achieve?
A 68-year-old pastor who was interviewed said, “One of the things that has changed dramatically since the time I was a kid is the place of God and religion in the typical family life. I would suspect that there’s not as much practice of religion…And when you take God out of the picture and religious practice—which supports belief in God—I think the family also suffers.”
The term, “American Dream,” was coined by author James Truslow Adams in 1931. Adams’ American Dream is “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”
Writing in “Relevant” magazine, Seth Silvers asked this question: Can you pursue the American Dream and follow Jesus at the same time?
Silvers says, “The American Dream originated as a dream about potential, opportunity and identity. I believe these elements still drive the American Dream today. If the American Dream is simply about tapping into our innate gifts, pouring them out in unlimited opportunities, and being seen for whom we truly are, I am all for it and I believe Jesus is too.”
However, Silver reminds his readers that “The American Dream can very quickly become twisted into a self-serving vision and dominate our lives.”
If we look at the condition of our country today, most will agree the American Dream has led many to unhappiness, debt, envy and greed. When we become obsessed with the idea of having it all and dismiss the less fortunate, we can easily forget what Jesus has called us to do.
While there is nothing wrong with the American Dream, Silver reminds us we need to avoid the pitfalls. He offers three ways to do that. First, he says, we should commit to growth and refuse to settle for mediocrity. “With all the resources and opportunities available, the world needs young people to actively commit to continue growing and moving forward in their jobs, education, relationships and pursuit of Christ. If you are not growing, you are dying,” he says.
However, I believe that applies to all of us, no matter our age. If you woke up breathing, God’s not through with you yet.
Second, Silver writes, “Commit to generosity. Determine what you need to fulfill the calling God has called you to, and enjoy giving the rest of your resources away to people in need.”
Third, he adds, “Be willing to let go. We should be excited to succeed and grow, but we should be more excited about the growth that comes with obedience to Jesus’ call on our life.”
When we’re committed to chasing Jesus instead of The American Dream, our lives will have eternal significance.
Humankind have been chasing “the Dream” since their forced removal from the Garden of Eden. Wikipedia tracks the origins of the American Dream as far back as 1774, when the Royal Governor of Virginia made this statement: the Americans “for ever imagine the Lands further off are still better than those upon which they are already settled”. The Great King Solomon searched for “the dream” only to conclude it was all vanity. I suggest this condition, the need to search, to reach further, to be more, to have more, to do more is not unique just to Americans. Perhaps it… Read more »
Thank you for your response to my post, Clarice. I always love hearing from my readers. I am glad that your research brought more insight into the “American Dream.” Your final statement says it all!