Day 12: Read Luke Chapter 12
A Listening Heart
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Men, women, children
Old and young
Waiting in long lines
As far as the eye could see.
Same scene at every store
What are they waiting for?
I asked no one in particular
Anticipating the deals
20% off, buy one get one free
Waiting to get the next best gadget
The next best bling
To get more, more, more
Sitting in the parking lot and watching this scene from my car brought back memories. I used to be one of those people in the long lines at the mall… seeking bargain sales on Black Friday.
I also had a flashback of my family standing on the street on that memorable night on July 5, 2015, watching the fire consume our home.
In this passage, a man asked Jesus to intervene in a dispute with his brother over his inheritance. Instead, Jesus saw an opportunity to share a story about a wealthy farmer. This farmer had a bountiful harvest and was so impressed with himself. He thought he would build bigger barns to store his goods, take it easy, and enjoy the good life. But unfortunately, he died that night (Luke 12:13-21).
Is Jesus against wealth or riches?
No
Instead, this story calls you and me to look at our heart’s attitudes toward material possessions.
All blessings come from God. You and I are blessed to bless others, not to hoard or be greedy. We are free to bless others when we value our relationship with God above material possessions. This makes us rich towards God. Contentment helps us to have joy on the journey of life.
Since the house fire, I’ve learned to hold material things loosely and cherish my relationship with God and those I love.
So, in what ways will you find contentment and joy this holiday season? How will you share your treasures with others?
Choose Contentment and Joy: 7 Unique Ways to Bless Others During the Holidays
My friend Tammy Whitehurst shared a really encouraging post on FB about unique ways to share your treasures and have contentment and joy during the holidays.
Some of her tips may be outside your comfort zone but give it a try anyway…
- Begin by giving someone a shout-out!
- Allow somebody to get in line ahead of you or a car in front of you in traffic.
- Pay for someone’s coffee.
- Open the door for a stranger and say, “Merry Christmas!”
- Leave a happy note on a random car.
- Smile at a stranger at the red light.
- Tell someone they have beautiful eyes or perhaps how kind they are.
Try Tammy’s tips and experience how all these things will make you feel awesome, and then begin to do it all over again.
A little kindness goes a long way!
Friend, you and I can practice contentment and create a legacy of giving that leads to overflowing joy.
May your home be filled with joy and the love of Jesus this holiday season.
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. Luke 12:15
Which one of Tammy’s tips resonate with you? Share in the comments below.
Day 12: This post is part of the Come Away with Jesus Christmas Challenge.
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