“Prosperity knits a man to the World. He feels that he is “finding his place in it,” while really it is finding its place in him.”- C.S. Lewis
Being removed from the idealized life in America is the most freeing experience I’ve ever had. At a young age we are fed a romanticized picture of a “happily every after” life that will fulfill us. Study hard, earn a degree, find a successful job, have a family, and do whatever makes you happy.
Growing up I bought in. I thought the answer to life was a white picket fence and and fat paycheck. I filled myself with the world and what it told me would make me happy. There were never enough clothes I could buy, people I would please, class credits I could earn, or parties and fun I could have to fulfill me.
I looked at the world around me- what people portrayed on social media, the standards set for success, the lives lived on reality TV, the rich & famous glorification- everything I had been seeking. Then I looked at myself, the fulfillment I was pursuing, and how I truly felt.
I was Empty. I felt Dead.
Everything I had been seeking drained me more than it fulfilled me. The life had been sucked out of me.
I yearned for more. So much more.
When I was at my lowest, I found the more I had been seeking my entire life. Jesus.
I was dead and He brought me life.
My life was forever changed. Nothing mattered anymore, at least nothing of this world. Majority of our society finds worth in the amount of likes received on social media. We are constantly seeking self-fulfillment through a grand vacation, or spending outrageous amounts of money on things just because of the name on a label. We use sexualization to sell products, and create an unrealistic “ideal image” which is destroying our view of self-image. We believe that if we could become famous, win the lottery, or have great worldly success, we will make our lives complete, fill our brokenness and take away our pain. We try to create a life that we think is free from trouble.
Sometimes the devil allows people to live a life free from trouble because he doesn’t want them turning to God. Your sin is like a jail cell, except it’s nice and comfy and there doesn’t seem to be any need to leave. The door is wide open, until one day time runs out, the cell door slams shut, and suddenly it’s too late.
-From the movie “God’s not Dead”
I was in that jail cell. For a long time I didn’t even notice it because I was happy, or at least I thought I was. Then the walls started closing in, I opened my eyes, and I knew that I had to get out. It seemed impossible, until I realized the open door, waiting for me to step out and taste the freedom on the other side.
Reading this you may be saying that’s not me, I’m happy. But take a moment to look at your life and where you find fulfillment. Think about the things you worry about, the lies that run through your head, the experiences that you’re running from, the yearning in your soul for more. It is uncomfortable to even admit these feelings and the brokenness because our society sees that as weakness. The truth is, these feelings are exposing that there is something missing, something that may not take away those problems, but it will make them a heck of a lot easier. What is life if we live for the weekend? What is worth if we find it in appearance? What is struggle if we have no hope? What is worldly fulfillment if we feel like we always need more to attain it?
I am not saying the American path of school, job, family, and success is like this in every case. It can be a great life and Jesus can be a part of it. What I am saying is that it has a tendency to do the opposite of what it promises. The American path is not the only way. There is another way, and it’s so simple it should be an easy choice.
Live your life for Jesus and I promise you will find more fulfillment, happiness, and purpose than you could ever imagine. It’s radical, it’s exhilarating, it’s a lifestyle where words are not enough. It doesn’t take a mission trip or going to church every Sunday to accomplish. It’s everyday life.
Choose the limitless dream because with Jesus there are no limits- you are gifted eternity.
