It is good that we celebrate Thanksgiving in our country, because we often need a reminder to be thankful! Thankfulness is difficult. We quickly take for granted what we have, and we quickly complain that life is not fair when we see those who have more than us. This can apply to finances, possessions, abilities, knowledge, family, status, opportunities and any number of other things. We tend to view what we do have as our right, because after all, we have worked hard for it. In I Corinthians 4:7, the Apostle Paul reminds us, “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”
All good things that we possess come from God. This truth should impact the way we view the “stuff” in our lives. When we remember the Source of what we have, our attitude will gradually change from one of ownership to one of stewardship. God has blessed us in so many ways, and we have the privilege of honoring Him with how we use those blessings. Instead of the blessings in our lives being only for our enjoyment, they are ours to use in showing love to others and in spreading the Gospel to those who don’t know Jesus. This may mean contributing financially to your church and to Christian ministries, so that they may better fulfill the mission God has given them. It may mean contributing your time to help a ministry or to develop a relationship with someone who needs a friend. It may mean opening up your home in order to connect with your neighbors.
After all, the greatest gift God has given us is the forgiveness of our great debt of sin and the promise of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ! The Ruler of the universe, the One Who truly created and owns everything, sacrificed His life for us (see Philippians 2:3-11). In comparison to this gift, all the “stuff” in our lives that we hold on to so tightly is really insignificant. May we be excited to use our time, abilities, friendships, jobs, possessions, and all else that we have to serve the One Who has given us everything!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Comments