but it may not save us when we can and must be doing more by earning more with two specific goals in mind : 1 ) the great american tradition of freely choosing to achieve lasting , abundant financial self-reliance through individual employment efforts that best uses our individual talents while making the world a better place and 2 ) expressing our thanks to god ( or higher power ) for helping us succeed by freely choosing to give back through domestic philanthropic efforts ( giving to a church or charity of our choice ) that strengthen our nation so we may continue to bless the rest of the world .