I feel like I’ve realized many American Christians, especially Christian women, seem to be promoting a “cottagecore” Christian lifestyle, which why not wrong at all it gives to impression at least to me that Christianity leads you to a cozy, bucolic lifestyle. However Jesus never promised this lifestyle on earth.
examples of this are Christian celebrities like Candace Cameron Bure, Chip and Joanna Gaines, and Kirk Cameron. They all have nice properties in places like TN, large families, and a general sense of peace and comfort. It’s not just celebrities. Online is full of ideal cottagecore/Americana Christian post (many unfortunaltely AI) that give off those vibes.
I dont agree with any rich Christians or any churches in any country either. I think they have all gone astray and I believe the Bible said this would happen.
Cottagecore Christianity. Learn something new every day. I’ve noticed the same thing and have been calling it, Comfortable Christianity. Typically people have some sort of encounter with the Lord’s spirit and accept Lord into their life and perhaps even get baptized. Then they are careful to not sin so they’ll be sure to follow the 10 commandments and perhaps even read His word and pray more than they used to. These Christians are very sincere and love the Lord a lot.
Then they routinely sit on the couch and start coasting. Not giving up any of their comfortable lifestyle. Everyone pretty much follow the 10commandments and this makes them feel good. They slip into comfortable Christianity because Christianity does not require that it costs them anything, so they are comfortable. I go to church, I don’t sin and I have lots of faith, praise the Lord…But who spends money from their own wallet to help the homeless guy? Take him home and feed him and he can shower?
The parable the Widow’s Mite that is in scripture explains it. The rich guys made an offering from the abundance of their riches. The Widow only put in 2 pennies, Jesus said she gave more because she gave our of her sustenance (her food money for her home) so she made a sacrifice to drop 2 penny’s in the plate and the rich guy did not. If people continue to disregard the weightier portions of the law and do not sacrifice unto the Lord, invest in the Lord. It is all these people who live in the cottagecore life and have no room or budget for sacrifice. They are missing out on growing out of luke warm Christianity to a better relationship with the Lord and His people. Scripture says if you do it for a stranger that it is like doing it for Jesus Himself.
I stopped giving to churches. I pay my tithes and offerings on the street directly to the people who need it most, the poor.
People would not have to volunterr for the soup kitchen…but they could cut the grass of that elderly woman neighbor you have. Opportunities to help our own people should never slip by. All you have to do is look around.