Philippians 1:9-11

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
(Philippians 1:9-11 ESV)

This passage has been stuck in my head for several weeks now.  I keep going back to it.  I keep thinking of Paul's prayer for the Philippians.

The Philippians weren't exactly wealthy but they gave out of what they had to support Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome.  They weren't giving out of their excess, but giving out of what they had for the sake of supporting the Gospel.  They sacrificially gave so that Paul could continue to survive and defend the Gospel.  Paul wrote Philippians to encourage and thank the Philippians.

The amazing thing is, Paul didn't pray for them that they would be repaid or provided for.  He prayed that they would love one another more and more, live holy lives, and be filled with the fruit of righteousness.  Paul's concern for them was their spiritual well being.  The Philippians gave out of their lack for Paul's provision.  Paul prayed that they would continue to bear fruit.  This is the problem with Americanized Christianity.

Americanized Christianity tells us to give what we can, not what we can't.  Americanized Christianity tells us that we need to behave and follow the rules so that we don't get in trouble at church or look bad.  Paul tells us to love each other more and more and abound in righteousness (which we can only do when we live completely in Christ and in the good news of the Gospel).  Americanized Christianity prays that we would all have our needs met, our car payments will be reasonable, and that God will give us the means to buy the big house that we won't use for his glory.

Is this you?  Are you living the American Christian dream?  Do you look for security in your neighborhood, your home, and your income?  Or are you looking for security through loving your neighbors and abounding in righteousness and giving sacrificially?