We expect a lot from God. We expect Him to give us riches, heal us from our illnesses, and keep us safe from car accidents. That's good, and we should pray and have faith in Him. He hears us, and sometimes we get the answers we want.
However...
We read an awful lot into verses like this:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
See, we put our own spin on it, and it’s not a good spin. What does the bible mean by “all these things”? If you read it all, it turns out it’s not stuff He wants you to have. It’s joy in the midst of suffering. Oh, and by the way, He doesn’t promise “no suffering,” either. Not in this world!
Santa? He promises toys and gadgets, and peace on earth, and chestnuts roasting, and more toys, and more gadgets.
So, what's wrong with Santa? We start making our wishlists -- you know, the things we gotta have -- and we forget to trust God for the simple things; food on the table, people we love... our daily bread.
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:24
That’s a warning against gathering up too much stuff. It doesn’t say it’s impossible, but it’s not easy. God won’t strike you with lightning for being rich, but it will be hard, because your focus is on your stuff. Enjoy your Christmas, and remember that it's God who loves you and watches over you -- not Santa.
Peace, Love, and Ho Ho Ho
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
See, we put our own spin on it, and it’s not a good spin. What does the bible mean by “all these things”? If you read it all, it turns out it’s not stuff He wants you to have. It’s joy in the midst of suffering. Oh, and by the way, He doesn’t promise “no suffering,” either. Not in this world!
Santa? He promises toys and gadgets, and peace on earth, and chestnuts roasting, and more toys, and more gadgets.
So, what's wrong with Santa? We start making our wishlists -- you know, the things we gotta have -- and we forget to trust God for the simple things; food on the table, people we love... our daily bread.
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:24
That’s a warning against gathering up too much stuff. It doesn’t say it’s impossible, but it’s not easy. God won’t strike you with lightning for being rich, but it will be hard, because your focus is on your stuff. Enjoy your Christmas, and remember that it's God who loves you and watches over you -- not Santa.
Peace, Love, and Ho Ho Ho
