The Me Generation

It is definitely not surprising to hear a television commentator say something that is so selfish that it makes you gasp.  It is surprising when the commentator is a Christian.  Recently, Pat Robertson on his television show responded to a question about Alzheimer's saying a man would be morally justified to divorce his wife with Alzheimer’s disease in order to marry another woman. The dementia-riddled wife is, Robertson said, “not there” anymore.

Well, I said it was surprising to hear Robertson say such things, but in reality it should not be surprising.  Robertson is being consistent with his theology.  Robertson believes in a prosperity gospel which glorifies the self rather than denies it.  According to the prosperity Gospel God wants us to be happy and have material blessings.  Well if God wants me to be blessed, he sure would not want me to have a spouse who cannot satisfy my needs, so why not divorce him or her when they are not there anymore.

The truth of the matter is that the prosperity Gospel is no gospel at all.  The gospel is about denying self not glorifying self.  The gospel is about blessings alright, but the blessings God has for us are not always material.  God can even bless you despite going through the trial of caring for one you love who has Alzheimer's.

Ask Robertson McQuilken if that is true.   Robertson McQuilken resigned from his position as president of Columbia Bible College when his wife of 40 years was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  In his resignation, he said that he wanted to spend time with his wife because even though she could not remember him, he could remember her.  In caring for his wife, McQuilken learned what it meant to love even when that love could not be returned.  In so doing, his faith was strengthened and he became an example of to us all.

One day we will learn and maybe even some Christian leaders will learn that everything in life is not about our own happiness but about His glory.  Think about it.