I’m an American, So I am Entitled.
I saw a political ad tonight that made the statement,
“He’s lost not only his job, but his pension, his health care and a sense of dignity that comes with having a good job”
This statement immediately started to make me think. Where do we find our dignity? Should dignity be found in a job? I am not asking if dignity is found in a job. I am asking if a job is where we should find our dignity.
During this political race, there has been a very prevalent theme that stands out to me. The American Dream, and how we all have the right to live it. Of course, it then comes down to which candidate is going to most appropriately help us achieve that American dream. What is this American dream? As i think about it, it seems to be a dream that is very wants based…and rights based.
So, I keep thinking. Are we voting for a President that will be most capable of giving us the American dream? Should we be voting this way? I believe that so many of us are incapable of making decisions that are best for us and what we need. It is no longer about what we need, it is about what we want or are entitled to. That scares me. When I read scripture, it seems to tell me a different story. it speaks of humility and surrender. It speaks of being slaves to God alone. As I understand the power of Jesus and the cross, I understand that I’m not given what I want. I am given what I need. Do we truly realize, as Americans, we are no more entitled to life and liberty that anyone else in this world. But, we seem to live as if we are. And wrapped up in this life and liberty seems to be cars…homes…health care…Fewer taxes. This is what we live for and vote for?
So where does the American dream fall in a faith walk with Jesus? Well, I don’t believe it even exists. Except that we have much and so, to us, much is required. We are so inward focused. Health care is a right? A job is where we find our dignity? Owning a home is the American dream? It would sure be interesting to see who America would become if we held truly our wealth with great responsibility. If we found our dignity and rights, not in things, but in our God.
I think we need to become more “needy”, and less “wanty”.
Good thoughts.
So, I guess this means I should cancel my order for the 160GB Apple TV I was going to get you for Christmas =}?
D-
Our pastor interupted the sermon series last Sunday to talk about the current economic and political landscape, and how a Christians we should respond. It was extreamly well done. I will post a link here for any one who cares to listen. Need to get to my computer though.
Other people must be feeling the same way. Just look at the popularity of the book “How Starbucks Saved My Life”. It’s just a little book but a runaway best seller and now Tom Hanks has picked it up for a movie. The author was born into privilege, went to Yale and landed a great job because of family connections made tons of money and lost everything in his fifties. He did find his dignity in a job – sweeping floors and cleaning bathrooms – because the people he worked for treated him and his position with dignity. Some businesses, institutions and societies (Like Starbucks, the Marines and the Japanese) understand that a person’s worth is not tied to material rewards, rank or promotion.
Jesus tended to look at things from the ‘bottom’ up as well.
Christian´s last blog post…Have YOU Earned the Right to Preach Like a Drill Instructor?
D, I’d hate to have you take that back. That’s hassle. go ahead and pass it along and I will find a good use for it
Carl, let us know when you find it.
C, I think his story will be a good one. America is so success driven. But, I think we’ve defined success wrong. I think he found dignity not in his job, but in being a productive person. And I would have to say that coffee barista is probably one of the most important jobs out there
Oops, too late for the TV. Actually I have a better suggestion for you or anyone who would seriously take your post to heart.
Here’s the website for a catalog I got in the mail the other day:
https://giving.samaritanspurse.org/c-7-gift-catalog.aspx?skinid=1
I’d say it’s sort of ‘putting the money where our mouths are’, if we think we can get past others’ expectations from us for Christmas gifts ={?
Thanks again for your help today. It may have been ‘no problem’ for you, but it was appreciated in more ways than just the ’surface’ favor.
D-
I’m afraid we’ve become a nation of consumers, a church of consumers as well….
Here ya go…
http://www.southeastchristian.org/sermons/?id=808
Play the one called a country in Crisis.
ckroboth´s last blog post…Friday Verses # 14
Brent, I get your point. But he could’ve been a productive person in any number of businesses that have a culture that is not so healthy. I know, I’ve been there myself. It’s hard to maintain your dignity if part of your job is riding rough shod over your staff or ripping off your customers.
Do they dring coffee in your neck of he woods?
Christian´s last blog post…Have YOU Earned the Right to Preach Like a Drill Instructor?
If not they should. Dringing is so much more fulfilling than drinking.
Christian´s last blog post…Have YOU Earned the Right to Preach Like a Drill Instructor?
But only in the he woods. Those who can’t dring may as well hang out in the she woods.
Christian´s last blog post…Have YOU Earned the Right to Preach Like a Drill Instructor?
Carl, thanks for the link.
C, what’s coffee?