The loudest voices I seem to
hear this time of year is about what we can get out of the season. Children are
wondering if they are going to get what they’ve been asking for, for the last
three months. And moms and dads, we’re wondering if the people in our lives
have been paying any attention to the litany of hints we’ve been putting out
there about what we want for Christmas. But I just kind of wonder…is this
really what Christmas is all about – you know, the decorations, presents,
songs, parties, etc.? All these
things are nice and we certainly can have some fun with them, but we have to
keep in mind that they are all shadows that should point us to the true
substance of Christmas: Jesus Christ. And what was Jesus about? The answer to
that question would take more space that I have time for, but as I reflect on
Christmas I’m thinking that the answer, at least in part, is giving. Jesus came
into this world to give Himself for the glory of the Father and the salvation
of humanity.
From this we can surmise that
believers should follow suit. We are in this world to give. God saved us to
give our lives for His glory and for the good of other people. You see, when we
got rescued from Satan, evil and death, God also saved us from selfishness.
This salvation changed everything. Paul said it best:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has
passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:15)
God created His children to be
givers, not takers. It is truly not in our new nature to hoard all the stuff of
this world, but to give to others willingly, freely, enthusiastically and
joyfully. But a problem enters and interrupts this ethic when we listen to the
world’s voices and make selfish choices. Now we think Christmas is all about
what we can get and not what we can give; and Christmas is just a small
snapshot of how we tend to live the rest of the year. I struggle with this,
don’t you?
So, I want to encourage all our
hearts to think a little differently. Let’s trying to put giving at the top of
our lists instead of our wants. Here are some great giving opportunities to
prime the pump:
- Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (Missions): our goal is $2,000
- Student Food Pantry Ministry: this month’s list includes sugar, flour, soup, pasta, salt, pepper, canned goods, cereal, grits and oatmeal (who doesn’t love oatmeal!)
- Archibald Rutledge Apartments (http://www.shasc.org/cornucopia-of-giving/): their list includes: detergent, dishes, glassware sets, food storage containers, inexpensive appliances, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and clothing
- Paying down the principle on our loan: we owe $350,000…wouldn’t it be great to have available the $33,000 we spend each year on this loan for other mission projects?
Let’s end 2014 and begin 2015
giving, not taking!
Grace & Peace,
Scott
Comments (0)
Post a Comment