Comfort leads to a lack of purpose. And yet, it seems that comfort is the ultimate goal of people in the modern American society. We call it “The American Dream,” living in a big house, driving a luxury vehicle, having a happy family and making a lot of money. It’s what everyone wants. Right?
I am a 21-year-old Mexican American from Goshen, Ind. I come from a middle class family that has never lacked any necessities. Although my parents grew up in poor homes, they worked hard to provide a comfortable life for my three sisters and me. I am extremely proud of my parents and grateful for all that they have provided for me. I have always had plenty to eat (maybe too much at times), nice clothes, electronics and an education. However, I can admit that my comfortable life has allowed me to be lazy.
For example, when I am hungry, I open up the fridge and find food. Very rarely does it cross my mind that there are people who go hungry every single day and dream of having a fridge full of food like I do. But why would it cross my mind? I’m often too distracted by things like Netflix, Facebook and shopping to stop and think about the needs of others. Many Americans find themselves so preoccupied with the distracting aspects of a comfortable life that they fail to work towards a higher purpose.
What is our purpose? Is it to work for money so that we can buy lots of stuff so we can be comfortable? Is comfort our ultimate purpose in life? As a Christian, I strongly believe that my purpose in life is to help people see that they are loved by God and that they are called to serve Him and to serve others. Whether you are Christian or not, I believe that you should stop and think about your purpose. Who are you living for? Yourself? Or are you living for others?
I’m not saying that it’s wrong to be successful.
1 Timothy 6:10 says that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Some people read that verse and assume it means that money is evil. But notice that the verse says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It’s not wrong to have money. Monetary success is wrong only when a person loses sight of everything else.
So, I challenge you to rethink the American Dream. Is it really all about monetary success? I think it’s about a lot more than that. It’s about living a good life. And a good life includes loving people and working to serve them.
Just think about it.
