Life in the U.S. is easy. I know it’s not easy for everyone, but I’m speaking in general and in comparison with life in other countries. After living in China for most of the year and returning to the U.S. for a visit, I was struck with the comfort of life in my home country:
- Family and friends
- Communicating in English
- Getting in a car and driving everywhere
- Favorite foods readily available
- Blue skies everyday
Life is so convenient that I wondered, “How do people realize their need?” I don’t mean realizing the need for a drink or sleep. I mean sensing an angst with life itself. How do people in a wealthy country come to recognize their deep spiritual need?
Why do I even ask that question? Because coming to this realization is vital to the Christian life. If everything is going well, why call out for help? Without inner turmoil, why turn to a Savior?
So I started brainstorming things that can bring people to a point of need in the U.S. and here’s my list:
- Relational problems with a family member, neighbor, co-worker, or boss
- Career or financial struggles
- Sickness, disease or death
- An accident that leads to injury or death (car, train, plane, fire, a fall, etc.)
- Loneliness
- Crime
- Seeing the homeless
- Watching or reading the news
I don’t believe we should despise good things in life or ask for trouble. In fact, the Bible asserts that God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Tim. 6:17). But we should recognize that problems may help us to see our true condition. Even in the wealthiest country on Earth, we are needy. We are mortal, arrogant, and spiritually blind. We need help. Our family, friends, and neighbors need help. As Martin Luther said before he died, “We are beggars. This is true.”
While we remain paupers throughout the Christian life, in another sense our lowly status opens the door to unimaginable wealth. Jesus said it this way: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). God’s kingdom is not given to those who are rich in spirit or full of themselves. It is given to beggars, panhandlers, vagabonds.
So enjoy the good things in life, but don’t trust in them. And accept hardship because it is a constant reminder of our true condition, which leads to lasting wealth.
After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. For a deep dive into church history and the character of God, see my book Surprised by Hell.
Great reminder Les, btw what are you doing in China?
Working in an international school as a guidance counselor.
I’m glad I stumbled across your site. My husband and I lived in China for two years and now we live in Malaysia. The comfort and convenience (and excess) of life in the US is always a small surprise to me when I visit. I attended a Pentecostal church as a teen and young adult and then kinda just left church. I’m only now (12 years later) starting to think about the teachings of the Bible and Christianity again and doing so from such a different, open perspective.