Comments from the article “The Priorities and Consequence of an Empty Culture” from The Christian Watershed (www.thechristianwatershed.com – 7/9/10)
After reading this article the phrase that was still ringing in my ear was “we are told to better ourselves by what we buy” and even more so on censoring our eyes to reality. This is the new “American” motto that will bring itself first to enslavement and second, inevitably, to its downfall.
“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
Look around at what people are buying, 60” TVs and Yachts, and the people they idolize, Lady Goo Goo; typically it is fanatically over people in the fortune 500 club and million dollar superstars. The rich and famous country club membership is becoming less and less exclusive, because everyone is compounding themselves into debt to get in and/or mirror the vanities of those we idolize. Our nation is no different; instead of protecting the borders or the rights of its citizens, America takes lethargic actions while the overcast nears.
The Problem: Sin is definitely blinding and both the media and we buy into it to shield ourselves from the truth. Truth about greed, slothfulness and most importantly that we are not perfect. We live in a world promoting blindness; ask the last place of a youth soccer team who still gets a trophy. It is okay to root for valiant efforts, but it’s better for that child to admit defeat in humbleness and learn that one must work harder to get better, but still may come out empty handed. Sin tells us I deserve a trophy or if I work hard I should get everything that I want and my way.
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Proverbs 21:20
The Solution: Honorable living comes from seeking what the hand of God asks of what our lives should be and following it, which is far better and holy. Let’s face reality, which can be given to us by our Father in Heaven. We need to hunger for the things that are right, even if it’s hard to swallow. We need to prioritize; you do this by building a good work ethic and living virtuously. We need to focus on saving money and when we can afford to offer it back to God in donations for relief foundations. If you want to travel, why not save with a friend and do a mission trip; your money is well invested because you helped others in need, you got to travel somewhere new and exciting, and most importantly you keep your eyes open to the reality of this world. Also, be bold. You need to live it and teach it to the youth, expose others to this more fulfilling lifestyle, in meekness and in Christ.
More Scripture:
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Luke 14:28-30
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11
“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.” Matthew 6:24
