Luxury Beliefs Come with No Cost or Risk Until

Growing up in a world untouched by the great tragedies that shaped the generations before them—events like 9/11, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, or the World Wars—this generation often finds itself insulated from the stark realities that demand resilience and grit. In this bubble of relative peace and prosperity, it is easy to cultivate what some call luxury beliefs. These are convictions held without the weight of personal cost or the risk of genuine consequences. These beliefs can be flaunted as badges of progressive thinking without ever being tested in the crucible of real adversity.

The Luxurious Purpose

Many of us have a sense of God, an inherent awareness that eternity is written in our hearts, compelling us to seek a purpose beyond the mundane. However, absent the unique talents that enable us to contribute meaningfully to society, we often latch onto the causes and agendas of others. Sometimes, these causes are noble, but often, they are driven by ulterior motives—climate change hysteria, vaccination debates, defunding the police, anti-marriage and anti-children rhetoric, and calls for free college tuition. These beliefs are marketed as solutions to existential threats, yet they often carry hidden short- and long-term consequences. The allure of luxury beliefs lies in their apparent righteousness.

Risk-free Causes

Advocating for these causes from a safe distance incurs no personal risk. Our young adults enjoy the luxury of liberalism, advocating for radical changes without having to face the immediate repercussions. It is only when we step into roles that require real responsibility—like parenting—that the inconsistencies between our professed beliefs and our actions become glaringly evident. Suddenly, the electronics we once advocated for are withheld from our children, and the open borders we championed give way to the erection of fences around our homes.

The High Cost

This incongruence between orthodoxy (what we profess) and orthopraxy (how we live) is often overlooked. Still, it reveals a deeper issue: a lack of courage, humility, and integrity to admit when we are wrong. Rather than confessing our misguided beliefs, we double down, even as our fortified homes betray our fears. This is the high cost of luxury beliefs—the reluctance to face the truth because doing so would require a humbling admission of error.

When Reality Bites

Consider the political figure who, after being mugged and seeing her children endangered, reversed her stance on defunding the police. Or Eric Adams, who shifted from advocating for sanctuary cities to demanding a halt on sending illegal aliens to his city once the consequences became too dire. These examples illustrate how luxury beliefs can crumble under the weight of reality, forcing a re-evaluation of what we once held dear. Luxury beliefs give us an air of righteousness and feed the fever of fame. But when the chickens come home to roost—when our cities are decimated, or our children are harmed—reality bites hard.

Confession and Repentance

At this juncture, we face a choice: continue living in the delusion of these beliefs or take a courageous stand by confessing our mistakes. This path of humility is arduous but necessary for true transformation. The Bible speaks to this need for humility and confession. In James 4:6, it says, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Admitting when we are wrong aligns us with God's heart, which calls us to live in truth and love. It is through this process of confession and repentance that we can move beyond luxury beliefs and embrace a life of genuine impact and integrity.

Make a Genuine Difference

In conclusion, luxury beliefs are a byproduct of a sheltered existence, free from the immediate costs and risks that test our convictions. They offer a false sense of righteousness that can only be sustained until reality intervenes. When faced with the consequences of these beliefs, we must choose between doubling down on our errors or embracing the humility to admit our mistakes. True courage and integrity are found in the latter as we align our lives with God's truth and seek to make a genuine difference in the world.

Peace,
Rick

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