7 Feb, 2007
A recent news story in USA Today reported on a Pew Research Center
telephone survey of 579 18- to 25-year-olds. Eighty-one percent of them told Pew that "getting rich" is their
generation's most important or second most important goal in life.
Fifty-one percent said the same thing about being famous. In a distant
third through fifth places were helping people in need (30 percent),
being leaders in the community (22 percent) and becoming more spiritual
(10 percent), respectively.
The survey's results were summed up in the words of 22-year-old Cameron Johnson of Blacksburg, Virginia: "when you open a celebrity magazine, it's all about the money and being rich and famous ... the TV shows we watch — anything from The Apprentice where the intro to the show is the 'money song' — to Us Weekly magazine where you see all the celebrities and their $6 million homes. We see reality TV shows with Jessica and Nick living the life. We see Britney and Paris. The people we relate to outside our friends are those people."
Bling
Mark 10:42-45
42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (ESV)
What does today’s scripture teach us?
Jesus caught his disciples arguing about who was going to get the high status positions in God’s Kingdom. They were playing by the old rules calculating their chances to make it big in Jesus’ new kingdom. Jesus turned everything upside down. According to him you are big stuff and highly acclaimed when you serve others.
What a revolutionary idea. Instead of chasing money and fame to find status, Jesus says the way up is down. Don’t be the boss pushing others around; we give our time and energy to helping others.
The exclamation point on what Jesus tells his disciples is his own life. They never met anyone greater, more powerful and impressive than him. He reminds them serving and giving his life is the singular purpose for his life. Jesus tell them---to find greatness---be like me.
How can you connect Today’s God’s Story to your life?
Isn’t it incredible? You get to decide what is most important to you. God made you with the freedom and ability to choose what you will worship and desire. What will it be?
The majority of your peers believe money and fame bring them the status and significance they want? Do you believe that? Listening to pop music and watching television and movies pounds that message into your brain. How do you keep your mind and heart focused on Jesus and his “serve others” message.
You can’t worship and pursue both. The Bible says a double-minded person is unstable in all his ways (James ). What will you and your life be remembered for? It’s your choice.
How can you connect Today’s God’s Story and Your Story to others?
- Make choices this week to serve others and not just do what is best for you.
- Don’t use your money only for yourself. Change how you spend it. Sign up to support a needy child with Compassion International or World Vision.
- Talk to others about what you could do together to help others in your community. Turn your hang out nights with friends into group action nights where you go and help others.
- Talk to your friends about your goals and dreams for how God wants to use you and them to help change the world.
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