The world cannot understand Americans. Considering all of our society,
Americans have the greatest prosperity and highest standard of living known
in any sizable society on earth. History has never known a sizable nation
that had our standard of living.
Yet, depression is common in America. Among the young and the old, suicide
is significant. Alcoholism, drug addiction, pornography, sexually
transmitted disease, promiscuity, dysfunctional families, one parent
families, rejection of commitment, dishonesty, and a lack of integrity and
character are sources of major social problems.
How can a society with so much, experience so many serious problems? Many
of the world's societies cannot understand. In their societies, the
majority live in poverty with minimal human rights. To them, the
combination of prosperity and human rights produce a wonderful society.
America has that combination. Why do we not enjoy our wonderful existence?
Prosperity and human rights do not eliminate stress. Alcoholism, drug
addiction, and sexually indulgent behavior are popular attempts to escape
stress. Family relationships fail to nurture and sustain healthy love and
acceptance. That failure creates the stresses of loneliness, rejection, and
despair. Americans mistakenly believe honesty, commitment, integrity, and
character are the roots of distress. We incorrectly believe the emotional
antidote for stress is irresponsible, selfish, pleasure-centered existence.
Jesus once invited the burdened of Jewish society to come to him (Matthew
11:28-30). His guidance would unburden their lives. He was gentle and
humble. Through him they would find rest.
Rest! What a wonderful word! What a beautiful concept! Rest is the
opposite of stress. Stress is the enemy of rest. Jesus produces rest in a
burdened life by taking the burdens. It is easier to serve Jesus than it is
to be enslaved to burdens.
If we Christians wish to validate the gospel and capture the attention of
the masses, all we need do is to allow Jesus to give us rest. Stressed out
Christians cannot communicate the peace and healing of the gospel.
Suggestions: (1) Let your life demonstrate that Christ destroys stress.
(2) Never distress each other. (2) Do not promote or endorse ungodliness
because evil creates stress. (4) Commit to honesty, integrity, and
character. (5) Learn how to help each other with life's burdens.
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