Revelation 3:14-22, HCSB
The parallels between the church in Laodicea and America's "brand" of Christianity are obvious. I don't believe the issue of forgetting our absolute dependence on God is unique to America; I firmly believe any group of people living in relative economic comfort in any period of history would be subject to the same temptations as the United States.
Rather than write commentary on others, I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage us to check our own hearts. It is so easy to find security in money. The response is not at all illogical if our scope of vision is narrow. But widening that scope and studying history as well as recent events quickly exposes the folly of finding our security in wealth. (To clarify, "wealth" in this context does not imply "rich" in the context of our own culture, but rather "rich" in a global context, which is a category in which I believe most of our readers belong.)
When the bank account is steady and we own the essentials for daily living, it's very easy to feel safe regardless of the status of our relationship with Christ. "Why should we serve Him when we already have what we need?" That question is, of course, missing the point entirely.
First, man does not live by bread alone; we are not solely physical beings. Our spiritual sustenance is provided exclusively by God, most commonly in the form of His Word. Put another way: We most certainly do not have everything we need if we are not daily studying His Word and consistently spending time in prayer.
Second, God is not Santa Claus. His defining characteristic and mission is not to make us happy. If anything, the reverse is true; we exist to serve and glorify God. It's a reversal deeply rooted in our culture and a flawed perspective both alluring to our selfish natures and devastating to our personal lives as well as to our service to the Lord.
Third, even if we have wealth today, we may not have it tomorrow. The economic downturn should have taught us that control is an illusion and that circumstances beyond our control can take away wealth at any moment. This possibility may make us uncomfortable, but it shouldn't cause us to fear so long as we trust the Lord will provide for us.
It could be argued that the decision to serve self instead of God comes down to a failure to have faith. If we truly believed what God says--that He will provide for us and our greatest commandment is to love Him--then material loss or the threat of material loss would not guide our daily decisions.
I'm not advocating financial recklessness or a vow of poverty. I'm recommending true wisdom that sees beyond the "today" of our home, city, state, country, and world and sees that God is in control. The Bible has much to say on the topic of money and we should exercise wisdom in our finances as well as all other areas of life. One of the key blessings (and challenges) of true godly wisdom is recognizing our human limitations, our absolute dependence on God, and the wonderful invitation He gives us:
Men and women spend their lives in the pursuit of wealth, when in reality, what the soul longs for is--what it is designed to long for--is communion with our Lord. That is what He is offering. Are we living daily to accept that offer?
