The American Dream vs. The Christian's Hope
September 8, 2014
The American Dream might just be best summed up as a life of freedom, personal happiness, material comfort and lasting fulfillment (all nicely enclosed in a white picket fence). Hard work, long hours, and independence are woven into the fabric of our hopes as the means by which to procure this dream. At times I fear that we mistakenly substitute the American Dream for our expectation of the Christian life. If we just love Jesus enough, serve in the church nursery every week, study our Bibles with vigor and understand all the right theology, surely our lives will follow the pattern of our dreams.
To be sure, diligence and hard work are important components of the Christian life. Time in the Word and prayer are blessings that grow and encourage our faith. There is no greater subject of study than God and I expect to spend all of eternity delight in knowing Him more intimately. All of these items are vital for the Christian, but too often we interchange the blessings of the Christian life with a vision of the American dream.
The Biblical expectation of the Christian life is not one of upward mobility, but of humble service. It is not presented as a life of ease, but of toil and struggle. We are not to be independent of one another, but we are to be fully dependent, working together as one body.
A Battle
In contrast to our typical image of the American dream, the Christian life is described as a battle, a race, and childbirth. While I've never personally fought in a battle, one viewing of Saving Private Ryan offers a glimpse into the struggle and suffering present in battle. I wanted to cover my eyes in fear and I wasn't even physically present. Paul reminds the Ephesisans:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm (Ephesians 6:11-13).
A Race
A few years ago, some friend convinced me to run a half-marathon. We trained for months and then we ran the race. My skin chaffed. My body ached. There were moments when I desperately wanted to just stop running. The writer of the Hebrews used this imagery to encourage the church:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Childbirth
I have given birth three times. Contractions tighten in such a way that even breathing becomes difficult. Just when one has passed, another builds. My sweet husband let me squeeze his hand tightly (he may still have some bruises) as he would count down the pain with me. Paul uses this imagery to explain the groaning as we await redemption:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:18, 22-23).
The Hope
As we consider the battle, the race, and childbirth, it is easy to become overwhelmed. If this is the Christian life, where is the joy, the peace and the hope that describe the Christian? Jesus explains that He is the source of these virtues in the midst of a life that is full of struggle: "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
While each of these images convey struggle, they also are pictures of hope. A battle has the hope of peace. A race has the hope of a finish line. Childbirth has the hope of new life. The Christian's hope is much better than the American dream. We are seeking a city that is yet to come. When trials are difficult, we are not disillusioned. When the battle rages, we can be at peace. When loneliness aches, we hope for a world where all will be made new.
Our expectations of this life greatly affect our joy in the midst of it. Knowing that we are just passing through allows us embrace the journey with the understanding that whatever comes is ultimately serving the greater purpose of bringing us home. Our hope is fully secure, anchored in heaven itself by Jesus, the forerunner of our faith. May we live in the reality of our hope rather than slumber away our days for lesser dreams.
Melissa Kruger (@melissabkruger) is the author of The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World (Christian Focus, 2012)
