I was asked to share this morning for a few minutes at a weekly young woman's Bible study I am attending. The leader wanted to hear my perspective of what luke-warm Christianity looks like to us since we are often on the outside of American culture looking in.I really wrestled with sharing, since I didn't want to be too pointed, but God put 2 thoughts on my heart last night. Materialism and modesty. I personally deal with these issues the whole year we are home living in the States.
Materialism. We in America are rich. And Christians in the church are rich. Whether it be big houses, new cars or exotic vacations, we are pulled in by the world's standards of bigger and better. Personally we struggle with not being judgemental of others and how they spend their money. We also struggle to not be envious of other's plentiful possessions and secure bank accounts. We start to compare ourselves with others and want more....just what Satan wants as our hearts turn tepid.
Modesty. This is something that really surprised me this time coming back to the States. It wasn't just the tight shirts, plunging necklines, and super-short shorts on non-Christians that I noticed; but those on Christian women in church as well. I want to dress stylish and "in" and I am the first one to admit how hard it is with what's available on today's clothes racks. I feel myslef, again, getting pulled in to what the world says is ok and I feel my "on fire for the Lord" heart stat to cool.
God is still warming my heart as I wrestle with these issues, He is calling me to have a life striped of all this world has to offer and totally spent on Him alone.
