This morning, we continue our series on the Ten Commandments with the message, Building a Legacy of Gratitude. Unfortunately, many people seem to proceed through life, not with a sense of gratitude, but with a sense of entitlement. We feel like we deserve certain things. What was once considered a luxury, is now assumed to be necessary for daily living. Truth be told, we have come to expect some things that our parents and grandparents could not have dreamed up. But, are we satisfied with these things? Rarely. We usually want more than we have.
As the old maxim says, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” The problem is that the grass still needs to be mowed, and it takes a lot of work to keep a lawn looking perfect. Before long, we realize that we didn’t have the full picture, and the grass isn’t so green after all. We should have been grateful for, and content with, what we had.
The final commandment (of the Ten Commandments) says, “You shall not covet,” and then goes on to provide an all inclusive list of our neighbor’s belongings. God knew that we would see what others have and want them for ourselves, instead of being content with what He has allowed us to have.
God, in His wisdom, knows what we should and shouldn’t have. He knows what we can handle. Instead of chasing after the things we don’t have, let’s enjoy what we do have, and be grateful for those things. Furthermore, let’s remember that the only “thing” we deserve on our own is God’s judgment. Praise God, Jesus bore that judgment on the cross. If we frequently meditate on that thought, we will be a grateful people, filled with joy and peace which passes all understanding. But, don’t take it from me … take a look at Philippians 4:4-7. God said it … I believe it … and that
settles it.
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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