From Pastor Tommy Thompson

Php 1:3  I thank my God…

We live in a vile, self serving, and self centered culture, that revolves around lusts and selfish desires. People want everything, and when they get it, they know the value of nothing.  Most Americans strive for more wealth, more material possessions, nicer cars, nicer clothing, bigger houses, bigger bank accounts, and if they succeed, they still want MORE!!

Last year I was watching a program, “Rise and Fall of a Star”,  a documentary about the life of  Mel Gibson, the actor.  Mel Gibson has had an up and down career filled with alcoholism, marital issues, and so on.  At the end of the interview, they walked out of a coffee shop to part ways.  The journalist went to get into his 4 year old SUV and watched Mel climbing into brand new Mazerati.  The journalist, envious of Mel’s wealth shouted,  “You won”.  Later he received a text message from Mel “No you won, you have a family.” Be careful where your affections lie, and where they lead you.  You may  not like the destination.

Our entire culture premised upon desire for the glit and glam of Hollywood.  We are told we must strive to look like Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, or Paris Hilton.  We must be able cook like Bobby Flay and Rachel Ray.  We must have the wealth of Donald Trump.  We must be able play ball like Michael Jordan, and golf like Tiger Woods.  Without realizing it, we create an unrealistic fantasy world, aiming for heights NO ONE has ever attained, and worse yet, a disdain for everything that you ARE and POSSESS.  Joy and contentment in life is ALWAYS just a step away- just around the bend- just over hill.

A survey asked the question, “How much more would you have to make to be satisfied?”  The average response was about $10,000 more!  The Bible teaches that this kind of thinking and living is wrong and sinful!  It robs you of  the joy of life and the blessing of serving God with gladness.  Some have called it “When and Then Thinking”.  When I ____________, then I will ______________.

LISTEN!  Think about what you have!  Why do you feel like you need more or better?  What standard are you striving to reach and for who’s glory?  Your own?  Christ Himself taught that we should not become consumed with the desire for material things and that we should be satisfied with what we have.  

Luk 12:15  And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

This Thanksgiving season, purpose to have a thankful heart!   A thankful heart sees the glass half full, but the unthankful heart sees the glass always half emtpy.  A greedy heart is always greedy, a covetous heart is always covetous, and a lustful heart is always lustful.  Many people think, “If I had Donald Trump’s money, I’d be happy.”  Then why hasn’t Donald Trump retired?  Some think “If I had million dollars, I’d be content.”  Then why do the majority of lottery winners go bankrupt within five years?  Gambling and the lottery are sin because it smacks in the face of God saying, “You are not providing my needs.  I’m not content with your provision in my life.  I WANT MORE!!!”

Listen!  A thankful heart does not dwell on what you do NOT have, but rather, on what you DO have.  You can have everything, yet know value of nothing.  Ask Mel Gibson, Tiger Woods, and Lindsey Lohan.  All them have everything yet still trying drown out their lonliness, depression, and misery with alcohol, drugs, and sexual immorality. 

The real key to thankfulness is not in what you have, but in Who’s I am.

Psa 17:15  As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied

Don’t give in to the greediness of the holiday season.  See the value of your life in what you DO have.  BE THANKFUL!

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