For a good number of Americans the economic downturn has meant tightening our belts (for some, even tighter) and doing without on a good number of perhaps small things, which we likely had taken for granted to some extent. Though most of us live well beyond the vast majority of the world’s people. To be typing with this computer and reading from another one is to be privileged in the worldwide community.
For some it is the things they have which seem to not only take up much time in their lives, but seems to be what their lives are all about. Out of the heart the mouth speaks, so let anyone begin to speak and go on and on with what they’re talking about, and likely you are getting a glimpse into their heart and who or what they worship and love. Jesus pointed out that from the heart the mouth speaks.
Not to minimize at all the suffering of our Haitian friends, but people who visit there, and those who have been there in the midst of this devastating crisis have noted repeatedly the joy that is present. These people are suffering, make no mistake. But their joy is palpable, and corresponding to where their real treasure lies, which for a significant number of them is in heaven, not on earth. No wonder “hallelujahs” with songs of joy are heard there. But we Americans who are so rich in this world’s goods have little joy since our treasure is here on earth and is beside the point of why we exist and what life is all about.
Living well means living in relationships. God is relational in his Being as Trinity: Father, Son and Spirit. And God has created humanity to inhabit a good earth as relational beings: to him, and to each other. To live well then means we need to invest ourselves in relationships. First with our families: our spouses, children, parents, siblings. And with others: our neighbors, brothers and sisters in Jesus, and enemies included. We love others as ourselves, and we learn to love in the way of Jesus, as Jesus loved. By living sacrificially for the good of others.
Living well also means doing well. Which involves humbly serving others, fulfilling our daily responsibilities, and finding our niche and seeking to grow and do well in it. God didn’t just create us to be in relationship with him and each other, but also to work together with him, to be his co-regents and stewards of all his good gifts, including the good gift of earth. So to live well involves both receiving and being good stewards of God’s good gifts, for the good of others to the glory and praise of God.
Living well has nothing remotely to do with realizing “the American dream.” If such is the case then all the poor people of the world are eliminated from the possibility of living well. But such is not the case if the Bible is true. Living well rather has to do with entering into God’s kingdom through Jesus, and living within that kingdom for the good of the world. Helping the world to find what really brings life, and life in its fullness in Jesus inwardly, with blessings received from our good Creator.
Living well begins in this life in Jesus. The full realization comes when heaven and earth become one in the new creation in Jesus. But we can begin to live out this very life now through Jesus. This is what life is all about and gives true meaning to everything.
What might you like to add here?
Jesus community 
We can speak to younger generations about how blessed they are or how good they have it. But for most, it doesn’t sink in until they experience the lack of something themselves. Personal example: I was told I took many things for granted. But going to Europe and not having things I was spoiled with at close hand made me appreciate them even more. Example 2: I have a daughter we attempted to convince of her blessings. It was not until she traveled to Mexico and saw firsthand the living conditions and what building a house/shack would do for someone. She’s often said, “My life was changed.”
One other thought. I understand the American dream. But we as Christians need to appreciate where we come from and at the same time realize our dream/hope/life is found not in a nationality but in Christ alone.
Have a great day friend!
Crowm, Thanks for your good words here.
I know my thoughts could be misunderstood, taken out of context or twisted, and I also know I haven’t arrived in what I think on this. Yes, shalom does concern the material and not just the spiritual. All of life. And Christians can bring something of that into the world here and now; God himself does in certain ways as far as this world can go.
But the American dream is an empty promise if people put their trust and hope in it. It easily becomes idolatrous. And idols leave us all high and dry.
I’m sure I take for granted the freedoms we have here in America. I don’t want to. But we need to see that living well according to America and according to the kingdom of God come in Jesus are at odds with each other. Hopefully through us in Jesus something of God’s kingdom in Jesus can rub off here and now.