The Christmas season is always a time for thinking about stuff.
We learn what things that others would like us to buy as gifts for them.
And others learn from us what we’d like to receive as gifts from them.
Christians know that “getting” should be less important than giving. Fortunately, many adult believers do understand this when it comes to gifts within the family.
The more our satisfaction comes from giving than from getting, the more we are like Christ.
But what if we received none of the gifts that we had desired?
And how would we respond to the complaints of loved ones and friends if they received no wish-list items from us?
Would our faith and theirs be shaken? Even just a bit? Would such times reveal the need for spiritual growth?
I’m not suggesting that you pull out the receipts, pull off the wrapping paper and head back to the store return lines.
There’s nothing unbiblical about giving Christmas gifts.
I’m simply suggesting that you recall the teachings of God that nothing material in this life — whether in your possession or in the “wanna have it” portion of your heart — should skew your thinking of how God provides for you.
Having your physical needs of food, water, clothing and shelter for life met, having the assurance of salvation through faith in Christ and having people to love in God’s name really is supposed to be enough to provide contentment.
Is this true for you? Are you thinking that you’ll be more content when you have the things or specific relationship that has consumed your mind and heart lately?
Here’s what God said in His Word as I read it this morning:
“…give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:7-8)
I’ve never heard a Christian pray for poverty. But I have heard Christians — particularly some televangelists — tell people that they should pray for riches.
I’m going to pass on the idea of bashing TV ministries because of the pervasive images of opulence. And I’m not going to criticize you for any prayers you’ve raised that asked for financial blessings that extend beyond needs into the realm of wants.
My task instead is to examine my own life. Am I content with having enough provision for this day so that I might provide love, encouragement, prayers and even some financial assistance to others?
Am I OK with the idea of never owning a new car? Or never living in a dream home? Or never having a three-week fantasy vacation? Or never owning the latest, greatest electronic whatever?
Am I OK with the idea of knowing that I’ll likely have to work until I die because of pension fund failures?
To all of the above and other similar questions, the answer is “Yes.”
I trust that God will provide my daily needs so that I might serve His eternal purposes.
It’s the promise of 2 Cor. 9:8. That’s a promise to me that keeps me going.
Let the promise keep you going, too.
After all, God IS able to make all grace abound to you so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
As always, I love you
Martin
