The American Dream

One problem with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is that it costs money. I know true happiness is free, yet what we are taught from infancy in front of televisions with psychedelic dinosaurs, glorified sock puppets and a clown packing lunch is that things are part of that happiness. It’s our right as Americans. A house with a picket fence, 2.3 kids and a dog is many people’s perception of “making it”. The modern 40 acres and a mule.

Is it wrong to want things? Of course not, as long as the want of things is in proper perspective. I Timothy 6:8 says but, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that (NCV). How many of us are actually satisfied with food in our stomachs and clothes on our backs? Sadly, I probably couldn’t name one person in America including myself. I can name several in third world countries (mission trips rock!). Verse 6 is even more startling to the American world view, serving God does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have (NCV).

In my attempt to be a God-loving Jesus-freak (da da da dum da da!) Super Christian (yes I’m doing the superhero pose with one knee and fist pointing upward) I tried to reconcile what God says with what the world says. Guess what? It doesn’t reconcile. So where does that leave me. In a very good place actually. God created the earth as our (human) domain. Adam and Eve kind of blew it but Jesus took care of that. As believers we have our dominion back. No, that doesn’t mean you can roll up to any house in the Hampton’s and lay heavenly claim but you can live the heavenly life even if you’re in Hyattsville.

In upcoming posts I will give tips about saving money, shopping smart and following Godly principles which will all help you live the cheaper life. For the bougie out there, cheaper does not always mean lower quality. And higher quality does not always mean better.