Link to Ted Edwards Home Page
Quite often I have the opportunity to interact with numerous individuals in
their daily setting, and recently I have noticed that ingratitude is a
common problem among people of all ages. In this country, people seem to
feel they deserve and are entitled to an unlimited amount of benefits and
comforts. On one hand, it's as if they feel society owes them
but on the
other hand, they do not wish to assume any personal responsibility for their
behavior or their place in life thus far. Unfortunately, I've heard this
expressed from individuals who are members of the church as well as those
who are not.
Especially at this time of year -- as we approach Thanksgiving Day and all
that comes with it -- we need to be reminded to take some time to count our
blessings. It is always right to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this
is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" according to 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
It seems as if today everyone has been trained to be a consumer. We consume
information, clothing, food and entertainment. Some of us even consume sex
and people in the form of relationships that sprout up quickly and soon
disappear. Too often, we simply consume experiences rather than gaining
experience that would lead us to wisdom and spiritual maturity.
This entire year our Sunday Morning Adult Bible Classes have been studying
Servanthood. Hopefully, this has been more than an academic exercise, and
you've gone further than simply consuming a 45 minute class every week.
Nurturing the heart of a servant is a lot like training a toddler how to sit
still. It can be accomplished although it requires lots of patience and
repetition.
My encouragement at this time is for each of us to combine prayer with our
study so that we can continue to look beyond our own individual needs and
seek the good of others. It is only when we cease to focus on self that
we'll truly benefit from serving others. We should never feel guilty for
being born in an affluent country, but it's always healthy to count our
blessings and remember who is in control of the whole situation.
See you in Bible Class!
Link to Ted Edwards Home Page