"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17
According to K-LOVE radio www.klove.com Sunday September18 is the National Back to church Sunday. The theory is many who have visited churches over the years got out of the habit of attending regularly. The day was set as motivation to invite people back.
As I was preparing to write this article the theme of inviting people to church was going to be my topic. But then I saw a leader from the Examiner main page prompting the topic of the American Dream and what it meant to me as an individual. I couldn't get the idea out of my head, that somehow, the two were related.
You see, to me, the American Dream is having the freedom to profess and live my faith without fear of persecution. All the thoughts of white picket fences and apple pie are good, but don't hold the same value as the desire to live in freedom.
When America was founded, the forefathers wanted to be certain individuals were allowed the freedom to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In fact, the thought was so important, according to Wickpedia, it "is one of the most famous phrases in the United States Declaration of Independence and considered by some as part of one of the most well crafted, influential sentencse in the history of the English lanquage." It is considered to be an inalienable right of mankind.
So how does one live the American dream of pursuing life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and ones faith at the same time?
It is a question that seems to beg attention, but rarely gets a good answer. If I am pursuing my idea of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, I may well be infringing on the right of another unintentionally. Not everyone shares my idea of what these three things mean. To me, life is a life lived for Jesus Christ, liberty is the freedom to speak of Him and share His truths whenever and wherever I desire. To me, the pursuit of happiness is an ever growing relationship with Him every day, which means I am excited to share with others the joy I have found in Him. Inviting people to join me in the celebration is a natural response.
I find myself in a quandary. I want to live in freedom, share my faith, and allow others the same right, yet, I find that others ideas differ from mine. I am forced to look at the situation carefully. There are many, many different ideas to the definition of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Just look at all the adjustments to the constitution over the years.
But then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding begins to take place over the doubts and concerns. If I am actively pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, everything else pales in comparison. I have come to the knowledge that freedom in Him is not defined by laws made by man. History shows that those who have been most persecuted for their faith in Him find an ever increasing value to their relationship with Him. That's something that cannot be created by man.
I encourage you to live your faith with the courage and conviction that draws others into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Live in the freedom we have been granted as American citizens. Let the American Dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness be one that draws others eyes towards the Creator.
In doing so, true freedom is found.
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