Emergence

Note: From time to time, we'll introduce you to guest bloggers from Emergence. Carolyn becomes our fourth guest blogger. Her and her husband, Joe, attend Emergence and have shown their hearts through their service and dedication!

I was at a conference last week where two speakers commented how the American Dream is about giving the next generation the things you never had growing up. If that’s true, my daughter Grace is getting Lite Bright and a Hippity Hop (now called Hop Bouncing Balls. Hippity Hop was a much better name, but I digress.) She’ll also be getting a tree house and a moped from Daddy. (Uh, I don’t think so!)

James Truslow Adams, coined the term “The American Dream” in 1931 defining what makes the USA unlike other nations:  “that American dream of a better, richer, and happier life for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” (I “happened” to hear this on a radio program a few months ago.

Not really sure how that morphed into whatever people think it is today. More stuff, fancier cars, multiple homes, lavish vacations, looking 30 when you’re really 55, being on American Idol? While those things would be great, will they give you a better, richer and happier life? What will you sacrifice to get them? And how much debt can you be in and still claim to be rich?

While I don’t think God will be opposed to me getting a Hippity Hop for Grace, he might want me to think about why I want her to have one. I think his Word lays out some direction for opportunities for a better, richer, happier life for us and the next generations.

Some good ones in Matthew 6:

•    Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…For where your treasure is; there your heart will be also. (19-21)
•    No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. (24)
•    Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear….Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (25-27)
•    Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. (33)

In Psalm 25, David declares just a few of the rewards of giving your life to and trusting the Lord.

•    He will show you the path you should choose. (v.12)
•    You will live in prosperity and your children will inherit the land. (v.13)
•    He is your friend. (v.14)
•    He teaches you His covenant. (v.14)
•    He rescues you from your enemies. (v.15)

Alas, a Hippity Hop is not on either list.

I think that’s okay.