Fast The American Dream
February 4, 2009 – 12:07 pmMy sister and I did well in school and we were tracking towards lucrative careers. We could have done anything. We could have been incredibly comfortable and recognized. Between my sister, my 2 brothers-in-law, my wife, and me, we have 15 undergraduate and graduate degrees. Eleven of the 15 are from Ivy League school including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania.
Now all 5 of us are either missionaries or heading to the mission field.
When some people hear of this, they think it’s tragic. Tragic.
But others see it like the pouring of ridiculously expensive and precious perfume upon the feet of Jesus.
Will those who fast the American Dream regret it in heaven?
Now fasting the American Dream does not mean neglecting excellence. I advocate for excellence in missions. Somehow over the last few decades the idea has developed that missionaries are people who can’t do anything else or people who can’t have a successful ministry in their own country.
“To those who receive great educations and have every opportunity to live wonderfully comfortable lives”, Francis Xavier says, “Tell the students to give up their small ambitions and come eastward to preach the Gospel of Christ!”
-Ben
3 Responses to “Fast The American Dream”
thanks for posting this up
By sandy on Feb 4, 2009
Even just briefly looking over this message has been like drinking a glass of fresh water. I feel renewed in understanding missions, the urgency of it, and why Christians must have concern for the global church. I found the 2 bad trends particularly helpful.
By Ray on Feb 4, 2009
hey, just watched it. glad you told me to watch it and not just read it!
By sandy on Feb 12, 2009