Many immigrants come to the USA to pursue the American dream. That dream is a little different with every person, but the fulfillment of it is their pursuit. It may be free press, freedom of speech, a home, a steady job, or some other desire. The fact is that every American pursues their dream. You probably have as part of the American dream to get just a little bit more than you had last year: a new boat, a new car, a bigger home, or more stuff is probably on your radar screen.
You focus on more and more stuff. It seems that the more you get, then the more there is that want to get. The fact is you have a lot of material goods. Years ago, when W. E. Sangster visited the United States, someone asked him what impressed him most about our country. He said, “You seem to have more of everything than anyone else. You have more cars, more televisions, more refrigerators, more of everything. I’ve noticed that you also have more books on how to be happy than anyone else.” Ouch! The truth be told, you have more than you need, but the sadder news is that the more you have, the more you realize that getting more doesn’t bring happiness.
Jesus talked about this in His most powerful sermon ever preached when He spoke on His Sermon on the Mount. He knew His listeners, then as well as now, struggled with material possessions. Listen to Jesus’ command, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal” (Matt. 6:19-20). He goes on in verse 21 to tell you why this is important: “for where your treasure it, there will your heart be also.”
Yes, pursue the American dream, BUT make sure it is far down on your priority list as you top the list with making heavenly rewards not earthly trinkets. Start today!
