In a down economy it’s easy to lose our perspective on what is really important. In a world driven by consumerism and materialism it’s not uncommon to look over the fence and start to feel sorry for yourself. It’s easy to host a pity party and to be the guest of honor complete with plenty of whine. (Pun intended!)
Thank You Note
It’s easy to think about what we don’t have when we begin to compare ourselves to others. It’s only a trap when we begin to do this. When we do this we set standards that we cannot possibly reach. We begin to think and say things like, “I wish I was like (insert mega-church pastor name or celebrity name here).
We also begin to say things like, “I wish I had…”
- a new car
- a nicer house
- kids like theirs
- as much money as they do
- a husband/wife like theirs
This list can go but we’ll stop here before we get depressed. The problem with this type of thinking is that it only serves to magnify our greeds. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
The key in this verse is that God will meet all of our needs, not all of our greeds! In our culture we confuse the two quite often and seem to have a hard time distinguishing between them.
In any case, we should strive to be more thankful. Have you ever thought about being thankful for what you don’t have? Here is a short list of things that most of us do not have.
Most of us…
- do not have cancer
- do not have a debilitating disease
- do not have a bad marriage
- do not have children that are strung out on drugs
- do not have to walk to work
- do not have to beg for food
- do not have to forage for your food
- do not have to make our own clothes
- are not homeless
- are not illiterate
- are not in modern-day slavery
- are not unemployed
- are not persecuted for our faith
What a thought-provoking list. We have so many blessings that we don’t even think about!
I agree with you. It was an eye opener the more I began to think about this. Definitely a new perspective!
Eric,
Thanks for the article — which I enjoyed
Unfortunately, however, you lost me on the list — the only item I am truly “NOT” is illiterate….
Also, since 9-11, I’ve been puzzled by people quoting Phillipians 4:19. They seem to using it as an “up by the bootstraps” excuse — “God will help you, so no one else is under any obligation to bother…”
I’m not sure what “glorious riches” the scripture refers to.
Are they spiritual, heavenly riches? The riches of Christian fellowship, the substance of faith?
Thanks again for a timely piece,
Ruth
Thanks Ruth. I appreciate your comment. I think in the context of the verses the “glorious riches” in which Paul was referring to was the Lord’s provision in their lives. This church was going through a lot financially and yet they were still generous to Paul’s mission. They needed to know that God was their ultimate source for everything of value in their lives. I’ve learned this lesson myself over the past few years. Thanks!