The American Dream: The Measure of Success

At TheGoodNewsCast.com, we believe that freedom precedes success and that God’s grace and mercy are sufficient.

The idea that “anyone can succeed” is so ingrained in U.S. culture that it seems like common sense. From graduation speeches to political campaigns, from corporate slogans to social media, the American Dream is a system where hard work and opportunity pave the way to success.

The Statue of Liberty stands against a backdrop of scattered clouds.

Yet, the path to success is not as simple as it may seem. Critics argue that this idea overlooks systemic inequalities, suggesting that not everyone has equal access to the same opportunities or resources. So why does the American Dream have such a powerful hold on us? The answer might lie in its origins, where it was an invisible force that guided and influenced societies for centuries.

For much of history, success was often a reflection of God's favor—the system in which God’s grace and mercy led to successful outcomes. In today's society, where competition and the pursuit of the American Dream frequently motivate people's actions, grace and mercy are often misunderstood as weaknesses, giving people reason to exploit and gain an upper hand over those who rely and depend on God's favor.

The truth, however, is that God’s kindness is not weak; it is profoundly strong and is the only way in which people are free to succeed.

The Enlightenment, Ambition, and Equality

The Enlightenment of the 17th and 18th centuries marked an unforgettable moment in world history, challenging belief systems about social status and God's will. Philosophers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Adam Smith believed that individuals were not constrained by social status or God's will (Locke). They argue that the mind starts as a "blank slate," influenced by experiences and education.

Philosophical Views on Social Outcomes

John Locke believed that people are born with the potential to succeed through education and hard work. Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that inequality was a creation of society, not God. Meanwhile, Adam Smith acknowledged the role of grace and mercy, suggesting that while talent may be distributed equally, opportunity isn’t. These individuals argued not that everyone was created equal, but that outcomes are uncertain and success is not confined to one's social status.

This philosophical shift brought forth the idea that diversity is a powerful force for progress. If individuals were free to pursue their potential, they would break through social barriers. This idea laid the foundation for success, where education, hard work, and ambition play an important role.

Yet, this system is not without its challenges. The world is driven by competition. In the second chapter of the Book of Micah, we find a community motivated by ambition, where individuals "lie on their beds plotting evil" and act without regret. Micah speaks about a people who rise to the top but are indifferent to the suffering of others, exploiting those who rely on God's grace and mercy.

In a world driven by competition, it's easy to overlook what truly leads to success. God's kindness is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is the reason why success is possible.

The American Dream

The American Dream took deep root in the United States, sparking the country into one centered on personal ambition, hard work, and the belief that anyone could rise to greatness. This spirit was born from Enlightenment philosophy, which emphasized the potential for progress, and it found its way into a nation fueled by greed and opportunity.

Portrait of a Benjamin Franklin

Individuals like Benjamin Franklin embodied this “self-made” spirit. In his autobiography, Franklin portrayed success as a result of discipline, wisdom, and virtuous qualities accessible to anyone willing to work hard. By the 19th century, this spirit had seeped into American culture, and Horatio Alger’s popular "rags-to-riches" novels carried the message further (Franklin). These stories weren't about wealth but about the triumph of virtuous individuals who worked hard to earn their success. The message was clear: if one person could rise, then so could others. It was proof that the system worked—that the American Dream was real, and anyone who saw the opportunity and worked hard enough or lived righteously could achieve it.

This vision of success became central to the American Dream: a promise that opportunities were available to all, a nation where hard work and virtue were signs of strength. However, the idea of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps has a deep truth that often gets overlooked—God's grace and mercy through the struggle.

Today, people may view God’s kindness as signs of weakness—as if men and women of God are pushovers. Nonetheless, the Scriptures disclose the truth. God's grace is not a weakness but a significant strength in the battle. In the Book of Micah, there is a compelling prophecy:

“I will surely bring them together with the survivors; I will gather them like sheep in a fold and like a flock freed from their pasture. When they cry out to me, they will escape. I will show them the way.” Micah 2

This passage highlights the power of God actively directing and leading us in a world driven by competition, where ambition often fuels greed.

The American Dream, though a motivating and uplifting goal, comes with its challenges. For instance, without God's grace and mercy, hard work alone cannot overcome evil. Consequently, the American Dream ought to embody aspirations guided by the Holy Spirit.

Excellence Meets Grace

The twentieth century placed extraordinary faith in excellence, as public education expanded and standardized testing became widespread. Competitive universities and professional credentials seemed reassuring. Excellence became more than an achievement; it proved that anyone can succeed.

Close-up of a metal ruler

The world was energized and full of ambition. It rewarded discipline, sharpened talent, and strengthened the self-made spirit. Yet beneath the soul lies a sad reality—location, social status, race, and systems influenced who could compete and who would succeed. Even so, ambition refuses to give up. Many continued believing in the Dream because excellence was measurable and achievable.

The biblical message in Romans 2 offers a striking counterpoint. The apostle Paul tells us that God’s gift is the only way forward. The Holy Spirit, Paul teaches, does not oppose the flesh; it satisfies it. Systems that thrive on exploiting those who depend on God's graciousness and mercy will not endure, but those who support them will find strength and sustenance in their efforts.

The twentieth century demonstrated how to accurately measure excellence. However, Romans 2 reminds us that success needs to be strengthened and maintained.

Believing that “anyone can succeed” carries emotional power. It offers hope to the discouraged and purpose and dignity to those who struggle in their labor. It also keeps ambition alive.

When taken literally, it risks condemning anyone who fails. If success is available to all, then failure is unforgivable, and struggle is a flaw. Critics point to the barriers, limited resources, and the simple truth that people are not all born equally. The Enlightenment idea of equal opportunity remains powerful, but for it to endure, it must be true, impartial, compassionate, unlimited, gracious, and merciful.

The Gospel offers a true measure of success, one that sets us free. In John 4, Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well illustrates this entirely.

“If you knew the gift of God, then you would have asked of me, and I would have set you free.” John 4

Jesus offers liberation—the freedom to succeed.

His teachings reinforce the message found in Romans 2 and Micah 2: that freedom precedes success. When the heart, mind, and soul are liberated, nothing hinders success. He liberates the world from the chains of poverty as we give to him without restraint. Micah also cautions against those who seek to dominate people who rely on God's favor.

Why does this matter? A world liberated through Christ flourishes even before it takes its first breath. When freedom precedes achievement, God’s grace is enough.

The Book of Mormon, too, declares it to be true. In Mosiah 23:18, we read of the people of Alma, who were described as a people who "were made free by the Spirit of the Lord."

Free to Succeed

We must ask ourselves: Do we take God's mercy for granted? Are we seeing men and women of God as pushovers, or do we finally recognize what it means to be free? God’s goodness will not be exploited; it is a force that the world wants, not God. When people demand it, God will not hold it from them; instead, God's grace is sufficient to supply every need.

As we depend on God’s grace and mercy and continue to give ourselves fully to Christ, bonds are being broken, freeing each and every one to succeed in every area of our lives.

Works Cited

Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Edited by J. A. Leo Lemay and P. M. Zall, Norton Critical Edition, W. W. Norton & Company, 1986.

Locke, John. An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Edited by Peter H. Nidditch, Oxford UP, 1975.