Pastor Elwin Ahu
November 23, 2003 - W0347

ìI have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.î (Phil. 4:11-13 NIV)

Itís almost Thanksgiving, which means itís time for turkey, family, parties, and football!  Some might say that this is the season of being thankful, but for many, the holiday season is stressful.  The ìholiday frictionî grows out of many sources: the media portraying the holidays as peaceful and joyful when in reality itís the opposite; dealing with variations in the family structure (divorce, blended families, etc.), and the hustle and bustle of traffic congestion, standing in line ñ last minute shopping. 

Lifeís everyday struggles can get in the way of sustaining a spirit of gratefulness. Itís typical to count your blessings at Thanksgiving, but expressing a grateful spirit beyond the holiday season can be found in the wise instruction of Paul, who found the secret to contentment. 

Letís look at three principles that will guide us.

THREE PRINCIPLES TO SUSTAIN THE RIGHT SPIRIT:

1.      GRATEFULNESS FLOWS FROM HAVING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND IS NOT DEFINED BY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Our attitude should not be defined by whatís around us. In every experience, God has given each of us a gem -- something that can be learned or gained from that experience (no matter how negative or challenging) that can be applied to our life. Give thanks because God has a gem in it for you that will help to bring you closer to Him.   We should not let our circumstances determine whether we are a grateful or not. Instead we should always seek to be thankful in the midst of all circumstances. Keep in mind that nothing will separate us from the love of God.  His Love for us is unending. During trials, we can still give thanks for blessings already given to us. 

Questions:  How has lifeís challenges made you a better person and/or revealed Godís blessings? What are some examples of Godís blessings during challenging times that we can share with each other?  (i.e., 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton the girl whose arm was bit off by a shark) What choices in attitude have helped you to navigate through difficult times and brought you closer to God?

ìRejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is Godís will for you in Christ Jesus.î (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

ìThough the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength...î (Hab.3:17-19 NIV)

Nothing can separate us from Godís love. Every morning, we wake up and choose our attitude ñ whether we feel positive/ optimistic or feel that the world has let us down. Do we count our blessings or focus on what we donít have. Remember that we choose our attitudes in the midst of circumstances. God left it up to us.  The second principle that will help us sustain a spirit of gratefulness is toÖ

2.      LIVE BY FAITH, NOT REWARDS.

ìBut godlinessÖis a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment.  For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.  And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.  But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.î (1 Tim. 6:6-9)

At times, we look for rewards to determine our spirit of faithfulness. As we grow up, we are taught that if we are good, we will be rewarded. While there is nothing wrong with rewards, we must remember that gratefulness should not be linked to rewards.

We brought nothing with us into the world and we will not take anything with us when we leave. Prosperity does not bring contentment but godliness does. So let us be content with what we have and use it to be fruitful. Life is a process that shapes us to be what God wants us to become. So when we feel distressed, frustrated, or angry, we must not give up or compare your circumstances with others. InsteadÖ

?         DONíT LOOK AROUND; LOOK UP.

When we start looking around and comparing what we have with others, we diminish our focus on what God wants for us. We may be tempted to give up, but focus on God ñ look up. What does He want for our lives? Instead of spending time chasing rewards, acknowledge that there is a sovereign GOD. He has a bigger plan than what we can see or even dream for ourself. He has placed us right where we need to be. So be faithful to the process and faithful to His promise.

Questions: What does God provide for you?  How does God encourage you to keep trying? 

ìLet your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ëI will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.íî (Heb. 13:5)

Therefore, if we live by faith instead of rewards together with having a right attitude we learn to be content with what we have and grateful in every circumstance. Finally, to help us sustain a spirit of gratefulness, remember thatÖ

3.      GRATEFULNESS BEGINS WITH THE BASICS.

ìDo not be anxious then, saying, ëWhat shall we eat or Ö drink? Or ëWith what shall we clothe ourselves?í But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.î (Matt. 6:31, 33)

Remember that if we have food and clothes, we are already richer than 75% of the world. Donít overlook the basic, simple things in life. We must not fail to see what God has already laid before us. Instead we must focus on God rather than lifeís rewards because He has the best plans determined for our life no matter what struggles we face. God will never fail us and makes sure our needs are met. Therefore, choose to live by faith, remember the basics, and keep positive attitudes. Then gratefulness will automatically flow throughout our lives.

Questions:  Think back over your life. How has God been molding you into His promise?  Share examples of how the spirit of gratefulness has strengthened you emotionally, spiritually, and physically.  What steps can you take or choices can you make that will focus your life more closely on God?

Much thanks to volunteer writer, Phyllis Unebasami for this weekís summary. We appreciate your commitment to serve.