Friday September 18th, 2015 James 3:13-4:3,7-8a
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures. (verse 3)
I remember when the phrase “The Me Generation” was coined. Commentators were searching for some term that would sum up the constant striving for more and more that had seized our society, a striving that was both self-serving and negligent of others. It wasn’t that we were any more covetous than other generations; it was that we had more resources at our disposal to reach for things. That reaching has not abated even through recessions such as 2008. Maybe we are now a Me squared (Me2) generation.
It wasn’t so long ago that we were happy to have indoor plumbing-that flushed. Now many homes have at least two or three bathrooms. It wasn’t so long ago that only the rich could afford distant vacations. Now, if we miss our yearly jaunt to Florida or Arizona, we feel hard done by. It wasn’t so long ago?
But are we happy? Depression is on the rise, as is suicide. Marriages are breaking down at alarming rates. Lineups at the lotto kiosk are growing longer. We still want more and more.
Maybe we are seeking and asking for the wrong things. Maybe we should be praying for wisdom, contentment, peace, justice, mercy, love. Maybe then we’d be happy.
Lord Jesus, help me seek you and therein find rest. Amen. — DAB
Contributed by Me2
I remember when the phrase "The Me Generation" was coined. Commentators were searching for some term that would sum up the constant striving for more and more that had seized our society, a striving that was both self-serving and negligent of others. It wasn't that we were any more covetous than other generations; it was that we had more resources at our disposal to reach for things. That reaching has not abated even through recessions such as 2008. Maybe we are now a Me squared (Me2) generation.
It wasn't so long ago that we were happy to have indoor plumbing-that flushed. Now many homes have at least two or three bathrooms. It wasn't so long ago that only the rich could afford distant vacations. Now, if we miss our yearly jaunt to Florida or Arizona, we feel hard done by. It wasn't so long ago?
But are we happy? Depression is on the rise, as is suicide. Marriages are breaking down at alarming rates. Lineups at the lotto kiosk are growing longer. We still want more and more.
Maybe we are seeking and asking for the wrong things. Maybe we should be praying for wisdom, contentment, peace, justice, mercy, love. Maybe then we'd be happy.
