American Dream or Hope of Mankind?

Thursday, ‎July ‎21, ‎2022

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: 1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Memory verse: Romans 12:1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Today's reading: PSALM 29-30 ACTS 23:1-15

American Dream Or The Hope of Mankind

As followers of Christ, we have the mind of Christ with which to filter all the stuff of the world but how often do you step back and look at the world with the biggest picture possible. We've already had one government of our world fall because they had embraced the 'greenway' and it caused financial and political and social ruin. As the leaders of our country seem to be full throttle toward the greenway, what will happen to what we call the American dream?

A house-our own place-a family-a job that we are really happy doing-security from oppression-all these are part of what most have in their dreams of life. If you google the basic needs of man, you will find many lists starting with 3 items, then 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12 and so on-science cannot seem to agree with what it is we really need. The lists start with food, air, and water. Then comes shelter. The lists that get longer are psychological needs that I will lump into the category 'for a better life'.

The world is busy with refugees looking for a better life. Hordes cross our southern border looking 'for a better life'. They have air, water, and food enough to get here, so they search on for a 'better life'.

In 2020, Americans spent $220 billion on mental services. That is everything from basic counseling to institutionalization. Yet, they pour over the border searching for our 'better life?' If there was an alien species studying us from out there somewhere, they would ask,

"Really?".

The majority of Americans have not discovered a 'better life'. Democracy has not delivered it. The governments around the world have not delivered it or they would not be coming here to find it.

That is because the world, in all its self-proclaimed glory, cannot deliver love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Holy Spirit of God is the only source, divine source, for these. They are the fruit of an abundant life in Christ Jesus. There is nothing of this earth that can deliver a 'better life'. Jesus provides for all who truly trust, follow, and obey not a better life but His divine abundant life.

The abundant life is not of America-it can be found in the hearts of many Americans but also many Mexicans, Canadians,etc, regardless of their governments. Some of the most abundant lives in this world are being persecuted daily and jailed daily, and yes, even put to death for the very abundant life the world searches for.

The abundant life, as much as this may grate on the minds of many, cannot be touched. It cannot be earned. This life cannot be bought. Of course, this sounds like foolishness to some:

1 Corinthians 1:18 ►For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

That's right. The message of the cross is the source of the abundant life. The world searches for a 'better life' because they have that 'God shaped void' that the enemy tells them they can fill with things of the world. But the things of the world flow through this void like the wind that comes and goes. Nothing of this world ever lasts.

But the Holy Spirit of God never leaves. He fills the void and never leaves.

John 14:15-17

15 “If you love me, keep my commands.

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—

John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Life in Christ Jesus-life and peace-the hope of mankind. No matter what happens with the greenway and our country, in Christ we are secure.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for being so wrapped up in things of the world. Lead me away from all this as I seek Your Kingdom for Your purposes.

Gracious and loving God,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen