So what is the “stereotypical” definition of the American Dream? Well, it can simply be defined as having the perfect house with a white picket fence. This house should also be in the perfect neighborhood and location with the best amenities (community center/clubhouse, swimming pool, lawn care, and the list goes on). Along with the house, obtaining the perfect car is also a must. In addition, we should have the best job out there. One that brings in six digits or more and one that everyone is envious of. Some go as far to say that there is a perfect family.

However, what people fail to realize is that nothing and no one is perfect. You can have dreams and strive for those dreams because there is absolutely no shame in that, but don’t worry yourself sick about obtaining the perfect American Dream.

God did not make everyone exactly the same. We are all wired differently, and we have different opinions about success. With this said, why should we make a mold of the “perfect life?” God has a plan for each and every one of us, and He designed us to be successful in our own way and for His purpose. Since everyone has a different perception by design, I will share with you my American Dream.

In my perfect world, I would make America once again one nation under God. As a country, we are slipping further and further into a nation of sin. We no longer stand for God’s morals, but it seems that we have created our own moral standards that make sin an idol. We crave sin, so our country makes rules, policies and regulations that promote it; therefore, Christians can’t speak the truth without being ridiculed for it, which leads to my second point.

In my perfect world, I would make America have free speech and freedom of religion again. Lately in the media, we have seen multiple instances where Christians have been criticized for not promoting the LGBT; however, our founding fathers wrote that all American citizens should have the freedom to speak and the freedom to practice their religion. This means that Christians should not compromise their faith in order to please the sins of this world; therefore, as Christians, we should not forget Matthew 28:16-20, which is the Great Commission. In this passage of Scripture, Jesus tells us to go and make disciples of all nations. Henceforth, if Jesus says it, it would be a great idea to go and actually do it, which leads to my third point.

In my perfect world, I would make American citizens love each other again. We are all sinners, and God views our sins in the same light. We all deserve Hell, but Jesus came to save all of us, not just a few of us. We need to fulfill the Great Commission by going and making disciples. We need to love everyone just as Jesus loves them, despite their sin. As Christians, we do not promote homosexuality; however, that gives us no right to shun homosexuals and act like we are better than them. In reality, we are not better than them. Instead, we need to show them the love of Jesus. We can’t expect them to hear the Gospel if we don’t share the Gospel with them. When we were still lost, we were exactly like them. The only thing that separates us from them is Jesus.

This is my perfect American Dream, but I know that in a world of sin that these three points will not be perfect. Striving for your dreams is a great thing. Know that nothing in this world is perfect, so keep trying even if you fail. God is always there for you. Call on Him, and you will be saved. Call on Him in your time of need, and you will find shelter in His embrace. Don’t try to be perfect in an imperfect world, but try to be the salt and the light to the dark world around you. Yes, you will stumble and fall, but the great thing about falling is that God is always there to pick you right back up.