The American dream

As I look back at the time that I have spent striving to live the American dream I wonder...yes wonder why it took so long for me to realize that to strive for self is not fulfilling.

The widespread aspiration of Americans to live better than their parents did.
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Roschelle Nelson wrote that:

The American dream is defined as the faith that through hard work, courage, and determination one can achieve a better life for oneself, usually through financial prosperity. Read more...

I define it as: To get all that You can get at work and play no matter the price. Gain to gain, achieve to achieve, get the most out of whatever, whomever for me.

Yes, I love America and the dreams this great country allows, But the real American dream can be found in the second line of the United States Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

If we look to the news we see how many high profile figures (Governors, Representatives, Congressmen, Teachers, Presidents, & staff) that seems to have the world by the (Tiger) tail. Many of these famous people have had their lives shattered by self indulgence and corruption. If I look to my own life (prior to being saved) I see the same issue of selfish desires driving me. Then when our transgressions are found out, our infidelities and actions look ugly and raw and people say..."how could he/she done that?

My pursuit given me by my Creator is not for money or fame. My pursuit is for life...given to my by God, for freedom given me by His Son Jesus and happiness by living a full life through Christ Jesus as my savior. Therefore:

As it says in Hebrews 12:1-29 Therefore I can lay aside every weight and sin which ensnares me and run the race set before me...my life. Looking to Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith, who joyfully took my sins upon Himself and endured the cross giving me access to God the Father. I can through Christ Jesus obtain happiness through Him and endure all things...even my failures because He is with me, the Holy Spirit is in me and I have a personal relationship with the Father.

If you read Hebrews 12:1-29 you will see that if we accept Jesus, that we still must lay aside our sins. It is our choice to do this, and if we do we still need to walk humbly with our God. So when you have trials we must not be faint of heart, when we sin and we are rebuked; we must not be crushed under our trials, but bear up with faith and perseverance. He will correct and help His sons and daughters, training us in His ways because He like a good Father wants the best for His children.