We live in interesting times. Political ideals are morphing and moving once again around the wheel of time. I find myself agreeing more and more with traditionally leftists ideas like, “Corporations are evil.” They most certainly are. But, that doesn’t surprise me. History repeats itself, and Americans used to bust up monopolies and cheer.
A friend recently shared a video titled, “The Real Reason Americans Aren’t Returning To Work” (embedded below). The man talks about how Americans no longer prioritize work the way that the Boomers or Greatest Generation did. I’m a young Gen-Xer, and I certainly don’t put work first. I have a decent job. I pay my bills. I take care of my family, but I don’t live to work. I work to live.
When I was watching this video, I thought of the Declaration of Independence and a quote from Jesus.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” – Declaration of Independence
America was founded on a few ideals. Some men were pursing religious liberty. Others wanted independence and the ability to forge their own path. Many wanted their own land they could improve and tend without having to pay feudal lords. Most wanted to keep what they produced and earned.
During the past 240+ years, our cultural values shifted from pursing life, liberty, and happiness to chasing wealth and cheap trinkets. Today, we want moar and moar and moar.
Today, many Americans work most of their lives for corporations so they can “retire” when they’re old and not work for their remaining years until the die. Is that a good life? Wouldn’t it be better to enjoy our entire lives?
So, what makes a good life? What brings liberty and happiness?
My answer would be to know Jesus as Saviour, work the land, have a wife who takes care of your home, and watch your children play with your farm animals after finishing their chores.
I’m not anti-things. I like the Internet. I like guns. I like books. I like camping and hiking gear. But, I think we need to re-prioritize the place of things and work in our life. I’ll take a loving family, chickens to raise, and time to spend with them over killing myself fore moar and moAR and MOAR stuff.
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – Jesus Christ, John 10
Enjoy the video.
I see the Trymian family won’t go hungry next year, but many other people might.
Those who don’t have it already might consider ordering Grow or Die.
Anyone who doesn’t have any gardening books, or is not currently gardening or raising some small farm animals, is way behind.
We are told by the money-rich and wicked that consumption and decadence should be our goal in life.
We are told by the family-rich and godly that pursuit of the good, true, and beautiful in service to the Almighty should be our goal in life.
I know what path I will follow, as my forefathers did. (6th generation farmer, raising the 7th)
Amen.