…. “by the time you come back, you are going to
learn to appreciate America”
And this is how I wanted to respond but either didn't have the courage, boldness, or perhaps it was a lack of words:
Ummm yeah, sorry…. but I DON'T think I will!!!
(Before I get started, this is not an “I hate America blog” or intended to be written with an ungrateful heart, and I would hate for it to be taken as disrespectful.)
The thing is, is that in America we have it all, whether you think you do or not. We don't have to worry about where to get food for dinner tonight or whether or not we will have a roof over our heads. We say we are struggling financially yet make it work to go on vacation. (myself included)
WE HAVE NO REASON TO NEED TO LEAN ON GOD
The majority of the rest of the world lives on less than $1 a day, whether you believe they do or not. They have to rely on a god because it is their last resort in attempts to stay alive. They need a god to save them, they need a god to take care of them.
WHAT MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL….
Is the fact that we know about a living God that can save our lives…but we don't need him to, or at least we don't think we do. In all reality, all of the things that are so easy for us to come by, all the freedom we have, has in fact made us into slaves of this world. We are so consumed and focused on finding what brings life and freedom that we bury ourselves in a deep pit of worthlessness.
We KNOW OF the living God…but we don't take the time to KNOW the living God.
The majority of the rest of the world needs a savior and are searching for one high and low. Those who know Him, cling to Him and their joy will out last that new iphone you bought last week, thecar your driving, or even that expensive steak dinner. However, there are SO MANY of these people who have never even heard of the God you put in a box and ignore.
If we KNOW GOD….then how can we put Him in a box and ignore the call to share Him with those who face eternal death.
Basically….We have everything we need physically and know of God, yet we are too afraid of stepping out in faith that we are so spiritually dry. On the other….around the world they physically need a god and a savior and are willing to give their lives to find him, but they don't even know of Him.
It KILLS ME to watch the people I love fall into this trap of searching for FREEDOM and LOVE in all the wrong places….and that is why I don't think I will learn to appreciate America…. around the world as I am watching others hear of Jesus for the first time and immediately willing to give their lives just to know Him more, I believe and pray instead that…
I WILL LEARN TO MORE THAN APPRECIATE THE DEEP PASSIONATE LOVE GOD HAS FOR ME
I am proud and blessed to have been born and grow up as an American…however, I am WAY MORE than proud, blessed, and humbled to be a member of the Eternal Kingdom of God!
