The American Dream

Since the time we are children we see what type of life our parents were working towards.
One where they were free from care, concern and could buy anything they wanted. One where the cupboards were always full, (and topped with crown molding) and this is where peace was (is) found.

If you could list the American dream of a middle class working person it would most likely sound like this: Have the best job for their education, and have best and nicest house in their financial bracket, have the nicest car within their affordability, wear the nicest clothes that were within their means and eat out as often as their budget allowed.

The American dream for the stay at home mom, have a husband who provides for her and the family, a car that impresses her friends, enough money so she can freely buy what she wants for herself and the kids. A schedule that allows her to relax and do things for herself, and to be thin.

The American dream for the athlete, to be the best at what he/she does. To be at the top of the charts. To have people know your at the top of the charts. (thanks to Facebook this is really quite possible)  To have the latest gear, know the latest information so that you can perform at the top of your game for your identity to be known as one who does well, always!

So where then does the "dream" fit in for those who follow Jesus? I wonder what Jesus would think about my dreams.
I'm no different, I want the best for myself too. I'm selfish. I care sometimes too much about what other people think about me. I want to be the best at what I do.
But there is a shift in my thinking lately.
Here's why. If I do all I do for the glory of me, it's fading and when I die, so does all I worked so hard to attain. If I live for the latest the greatest and the most beautiful, you tell me how long that will last after I breath my last?
It's like I think I can take it with me to heaven.

Lately, the world has lost it's glimmer for me. Lately, the things of earth have begun to grow strangely dim. I am thankful for all He has blessed me with, and I would not for one second like to take it for granted, (although I do at times) But the reality of how absolutely fleeting and temporary this world is absolutely astounding me.

SO now, back to the American dream for the believer, here is my new list:
To do all I do, for the glory of God. To work my best for the King. TO live for an Audience of One, and to minister in any way possible to everyone I can.
To lay down my pride, and let others go first.
To NOT judge, and to not consider myself better or more important than another.
To NOT take for granted that which God has so graciously given to me.
TO take note of the little gifts and wonders in each day and to pray through every step I take.
So I take those steps, whether back or forward in His name, for His glory, for the purpose of His Kingdom.

My new American dream of course is absolutely unattainable in the flesh, (meaning in my own strength) but this sort of living would be better classified as "Spirit Led Living."

It's not that I scorn the nice things, or shun my athletic progress or turn my nose up a fancy new car, I actually admire their beauty, and enjoy their abilities as things God has created, but I don't idolize them nor should I ever make them my end all and be all.
That position belongs to Christ alone.
Do you get the difference? The shift has been made in my thinking and truly, all I once held dearer than dear has begun to become strangely dim.
I want what God wants for me. His dreams are my dreams. His aspirations are mine, and I want His dreams, because I know it's what's best.
There are days this is hard, but this is why I rely not on my own strength or ability to stay in this type of thinking and living. I rely FULLY on the grace and strength God provides.
Quite frankly, I want Jesus to come back right now.
But until I see the skies part and I go up in joy, I will live here as He designed me to, doing His bidding, and living my life for the glory of God.
I give Him praise for all He has blessed me with and I stare in wonder that the God of the universe would take the time to provide money for me to go to Starbucks. :) :)
Thank you Jesus, I live for you.