American Mentality

What is it that as Americans, going about our day, doing what we do, living comfortably in our homes with our families, and having plenty to eat, causes us to often forget that there are literally millions of people around the globe who have absolutely nothing? I’m not entirely referring to worldly possessions, although that goes without saying. I’m also referring to hope, peace, joy, love, sympathy, the feeling of worth, and the list continues into an endless catalog of things that can only come from One who is higher than we.

Now, after posing such a loaded question, it should be known that I am as guilty as anyone for having this casual mindset from time to time. As Americans, we are free people living in a country that allows us to worship as we wish, take on the career of our choice, marry who we decide to, and establish a surplus of wealth if we so choose. Obviously, all of these things are great and God has allowed us to be a part of this amazing nation, but why? Why did God predestine us to live in such a blessed and prosperous country? Why did he sanction us to such a life of peace and opportunities? Was it so that we could live in a proverbial box and live our lives as comfortably as possible? Was it to establish a routine that prevented us from seeing the needs of others as we maintained our “crucial” schedule?

Being a part of adopting a child from the absolute opposite side of the earth is beginning to open my eyes and heart to a fresh way of thinking. Not exclusively in terms of adoption, but in seeing the bigger picture of life and God’s purpose. Too long have I maintained an American mindset where everything I worry about and am concerned with lies inside my precious little box. Too long have I not looked around and contemplated what it is like to have no family, no food, no shelter, no peace, no income, no love, and no hope.

It is my desire that this nation, especially the people of God, break off the mentality of selfishness and egocentricity. Throughout scripture the topic is touched on over and over again concerning the needs of others. For example, James 1:27 says this in the Message translation, “Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world”. I understand that we have our own set of problems that must be dealt with; however, no matter how big your problem appears to be, there is someone who is skirmishing with difficulties ten times worse than yours.

I just read this morning that 80 percent of India’s population lives on the U.S. equivalent of 50 cents per day! 80 percent! 50 cents! Now, it is easy to look at the condition of the world’s population and become overwhelmed at the endless number of people in dire straights. However, I don’t think God intended for one person to help every person on earth. I believe He is simply asking us to reach out to our neighbor. By neighbor I don’t mean the person who lives next to you necessarily. By neighbor I mean anyone you cross paths with who is in need, physically, emotionally, financially, etc. A neighbor could also include groups of people or a foreign land.

I have had those, when I express the needs of the people of India, tell me this: “Well those same needs are right here in this country and in this city”. They are correct and are telling the truth (even though they are doing nothing in the way of meeting those local needs), but why are Americans afraid to acknowledge needs that exist elsewhere? It appears that in the conversation I had, the American mentality really shines through. It becomes visible, that in some cases, Americans think American lives are more important for some reason. This same mentality is brought to light through the topic of international adoption. Some people don’t understand why people adopt from foreign countries when, “we have American children that need to be adopted, why would you adopt from over there”. My question to them would be, “Does it make a person anymore of a child of God based on where they were born?” Just in case there is any question, the answer is NO!

Let’s break out of the small town America mentality and understand that the world is bigger than our box. Let’s begin to look at what God says about loving our neighbor as ourselves. Let’s consider how blessed we are and determine in our hearts that we are going to make a difference in someone’s life today. Sponsor a child, go on a missionary trip, give someone a hug, complement somebody, do something. Let’s eliminate the American mentality and take on God’s mentality.