Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Monday December 6, 2010

This time of year it is essential to grasp the tremendous goodness of God and to let this mindboggling information shape our life, especially our attitude.

G.K. Chesterton put it like this:

"When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude."

I struck up a conversation with a "Christmas Shopper" and while I would not accuse said shopper of being a serious rival of Einstein, I was a little appalled at the attitude held by said shopper for material joy. I said in an offhanded manner, "I noticed your Happy Holidays bag, and the Santa trinket, which is stunning, and holly on your lapel, do you have any thought about Jesus?" The reply, "Oh, yeah, him too."

"Oh, yeah, him too."

I suppose in coming years during this season there will be jingles commemorating the thought Mohammed is coming to town. And, oh, yeah, Jesus too.

The point is grasped from Chesterton's statement. Are you taking life for granted or with gratitude?

At this time of year the biblical prophecy that in the last day's men will be unthankful seems to be fulfilled before our very eyes. To take life for granted rather than with an attitude of gratitude borders on being "without natural affection."

Lest we find our total focus on gift hunting, giving or receiving it might help to take a few minutes to muse on the greatest gift ever given. I find this verse amazing in John 3:16:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

That God GAVE the greatest gift has caused wonder for two millenniums and will continue to do so for all eternity. My late friend, Pastor Steve Goens in his last letter wrote: "I never really struggled with the existence of God. What I did struggle with was His interest in me."

Suppose as you walked along Meridian Street in Indianapolis, and when you entered the circle, someone, whom you did not know walked up and offered you the Hope Diamond. While you may be excited, you would wonder, "Why me?" Thinkers have not and never will get over the proffered gift of Christ as the entrance into life everlasting. Accepting the gift is essential for salvation. Yet, as with any lesser gift, there is no way to repay. Mind boggling doesn't do the thought justice.

Why is this gift taken for granted by so many who make some sort of claim to having acknowledged and accepted this gift of love?

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2010 Use with credit

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