The craziness of Christmas is now officially in full swing. This past Friday, millions of people camped out for hours in the cold, waiting to be the first line of invaders into stores.
For the next month – and to be honest for a while before now – we have been told that we need that certain gift. We have been shown in commercial after commercial that a specific brand name or product will bring us happiness, make our marriage better, or improve our lives.
While it is true that some things can help make our lives better, we have to be careful not to buy into the lie that those things are the ultimate source of satisfaction in our lives.
Jesus himself warned us about this very thing.
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:28-34)
Stuff is not the source of our problems. It is the unhealthy desire for stuff that causes so many struggles. People steal so they can have someone else's things and make their life better. Others cheat in school to get better grades to make more money someday, and thus have a "great life."
In this season that is so focused on getting, let’s do all we can to focus on the attitude and action of giving. True life, true freedom, and true joy are not found in how much we can accumulate. Rather, the more we give away, the more life we experience, the more free we feel, and the more joyful we may become.
It’s not always easy – and if we are honest, it’s not always enjoyable – but it is the path to peace and fulfillment.
Be open during the Christmas season to new ways to give. Time. Energy. Attention. Money. Possessions. Love. They are all things God has provided for us. But He has not given them as things to be hoarded. Instead, He wants us to give away all that we can, and in the process, change the world one transaction at a time.
Giving should not be something we do. It must become who we are. We should do all we can to make giving as natural as taking a breath. Watch what God can do with a heart like that.
shine!
Jason
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