Live in Gratitude

~~~ Philippians 4:10-19 ~~~ Psalm 112 ~~~ Luke 16:9-15 ~~~

 

We should never under estimate the importance of gratitude.

Today Paul is expressing his heart felt gratitude to the Philippians.

Even when it seemed that they had forgotten his plight

he was grateful for their past support.

 

"...I rejoice greatly in the Lord
that now at last you revived your concern for me..."

 

Paul is able to see benefits and blessings no matter what his conditions.

If things are going well he is grateful.

If things are less than perfect he finds reason to be grateful.

 

 

 

"...My God will fully supply whatever you need,
in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

 

Paul reminds us that when we are generous with our possessions,

giving to the less fortunate, God will reward us.

The word of caution here is avoiding the temptation

to give simply in response to what you will gain in return.

 

Unselfish giving is the ideal goal...

giving out of love and compassion is the benchmark.

The Philippians certainly loved Paul and wanted

him to continue spreading the good news.

 

If your basic needs are supplied then you can focus

on the higher things in life.

Paul proves himself to be trustworthy in handling what he was given.

 

Jesus is addressing the Pharisees, who love their money.

They love the perceived status symbol from acquiring wealth.

Jesus is saying just because you may have some wealth

does not mean your spiritual state is comparable. 

"...No servant can serve two masters...."

 

Is is possible to concentrate all of your attention on creating wealth

and still maintain a profound relationship with God?

Jesus seems to be saying it is unlikely you can do both simultaneously.

"...You cannot serve God and mammon."

 

I believe the challenge is to keep yourself in balance.

Balance between wealth and God.

One does not have to be exclusive of the other.

We all have seem many examples of wealthy individuals

reaching out in compassion to those who are less fortunate.

"You justify yourselves in the sight of others,
but God knows your hearts..."

 

In all circumstances we should find reasons to be grateful.

Whether we are among the wealthy or not we have many reasons to be grateful,

if we but look for them.

As we approach our annual day of thanksgiving; begin

making a list today of reasons to live in gratitude.

Paul, himself serves as a model for how this can be done.

He words reveal where to begin,

"...I have the strength for everything

through him who empowers me."

 

Live in Gratitude and Be Blessed.