An article published in Fortune magazine addressed the values of some young adults—attitudes which pervade much of today’s culture, including the church. “On the Fast Track to the Good Life” noted that many young adults view success as being at the top of a major corporation, believe in themselves and their abilities and lack humility, view any relationship that slows their ascent up the corporate ladder as an anchor preventing their success, don’t value loyalty, and believe little can be learned from previous generations.
Amos, though a simple shepherd and farmer (Amos 1:1, Amos 7:14-15), was truly successful as a prophet. He may have lacked training, but God used him to deliver a condemning message to the people of Israel in the northern kingdom. Under the reign of King Jeroboam II, the people prospered politically and economically, but they had beome morally depraved and forgot God’s ways (Amos 3:10). The rich oppressed the poor, took advantage of the vulnerable, and bought and sold people for goods (Amos 2:6-7, Amos 4:1, Amos 5:11-12, Amos 8:4-6).
The simple life of Amos gave him a unique insight into the oppressed and voiceless in his world (Amos 4:1-3). He boldly confronted Israel’s complacent view as God’s covenant people and challenged their lifestyle of prideful privilege (Amos 3:2,10-11).
The people of Israel did not take kindly to the honest message of this foreigner from the southern kingdom (Amos 7:12-13), yet he continued to condemn their arrogance, idolatry, and materialism.
Amos offers little consolation to those who live without regard for the most vulnerable, and his criticism warns us to steer clear of selfish ambition. Instead, may we follow God’s leading and reflect His loving heart for those in need.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 17:1-24
More:
Read Micah 6:8 and James 1:27 to see what true religion looks like.
Next:
How have you fallen into the tempting trap of materialism? How can you be more intentional about humbly serving the vulnerable of the world?
Gary Shultz on April 18, 2015 at 6:57 am
You have found me out. I do buy more fishing stuff than I should. Well, we smile, but often we do get carried away consuming “stuff”. Our bulging storage areas and filled shelves do begin to get excessive. We flex our successful ability to buy “stuff’. I know we do not hold up Albert Einstein as a biblical scholar, but he did make a great statement about success. Seek not to become a man of success, but rather a man of value. I guess that’s what I need a lot more, godliness, humility, and value. Thank you.
Winn Collier on April 27, 2015 at 12:25 pm
I really like this example Amos gives us, a good word for our day.