Spoiled in America

It is 3:05 a.m. and I cannot sleep. It is hot in the house. Our air conditioning quit working two days ago. We are waiting for the repairman to be able to get out here some time later today. For two nights I have tossed and turned fitfully with ceiling fans on high and another fan pointed directly at our bed. The boys have not slept well either.

The discomfort I am feeling tonight is experienced by millions every day and every night. Once again I see that I am spoiled in America. I let myself think it is my right to be cool when to enjoy the luxury of a/c is a blessing from God we often take for granted.

We are often spoiled in America. We have climate controlled homes. We have dual climate control in our vehicles so both driver and passenger alike can travel in comfort. Most of us have access to plenteous and savory food we love to eat. We have access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and for showering or bathing.

I am able to write this because I have this computer given to me by the people of FBC Seminole. I have access to the internet so this post can be shared with the world wide web. Yet these luxuries are often taken for granted if the internet is too slow or if the computer does not function properly.

We are spoiled in America. Yesterday I took Tucker lunch to school. He wanted a bacon hamburger with fries and a soft drink. He ate two thirds of the meal and said he was stuffed. He takes food for granted like most of us. My kids often waste food. They do not understand the cost of food at the grocery store. They do not understand that most of the meat we eat was donated to us by some dear friends who gave sacrificially. I do not take that beef for granted.

I am spoiled to the modern comforts and conveniences of life in the United States and in the Bible belt. On my desk I have two copies of God's word. I take access to the scriptures for granted. Piled neatly on my desk are also six other Christian books. In my living room lined neatly on the built in book cases are hundreds of other books. In my office at the church are thousands of others. I take them for granted as well. If I lived in a nation where followers of Jesus are persecuted and access to the Bible was limited I would treasure my Bible more. Once again I am spoiled in America.

I am spoiled with things like remote control, riding lawn mower, dish washer, washing machine, dryer, ceiling fans, hot water in the shower, and a water dispenser and ice maker on my refrigerator. I am spoiled with the luxuries and conveniences of life.

A couple of nights of sleeping in a home with no a/c is a stark reminder that I am spoiled. The question I face this morning is will I love, serve, and follow Christ devotedly when it is uncomfortable, when it is inconvenient, and when my life is not surrounded by the comforts and luxuries of life in America.

Am I willing to be uncomfortable on a long plane ride and bus ride to the furtherest ends of the earth to proclaim Jesus? Am I willing to give up the comforts of my home and ministry to follow Jesus anywhere at anytime to do anything? [Matt 16:24] [Mark 1:17]  Am I willing to give up life and ministry in the Bible belt in serving Christ? [Is 6:8] Am I willing to faithfully proclaim the truth of God's word to small congregations in off the beaten pathways without notoriety or fame? Am I willing to keep writing when few ever read my books? Am I willing to leave Brenda and the boys to go and preach where invited? [Luke 18:28-30]

In light of the cross of Jesus Christ how can I not say "yes" to all the above and how can you not do the same. The only thing I really have a right to is eternity in hell. Praise Jesus that through the cross He declared me righteous owing to no merit of my own. [II Cor 5:21]  It was, is, and will always be amazing grace. [Eph 2:8-9]

I am dealing with the truth that I am spoiled. This is just one more reminder from God not to take things for granted. My discomfort is temporary in this warm house. Soon the a/c will be repaired (praise God for the home warranty.) Soon life will get back to a sense of normalcy. I pray after this little experience that I will be more willing to be uncomfortable for Jesus and not live like a spoiled brat in America.