Scripture for the Week
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15(NIV)
Dear Friend,
Paul Harvey tells the story of how an Eskimo kills a wolf. Get ready, this is not a story for the faint of heart.
The Eskimo coats his knife blade with animal blood and allows it to freeze. He then adds layer upon layer of blood, until the frozen blood completely conceals the blade. The hunter next fixes the knife in the ground with the blade up. A wolf smells the blood and when he discovers the bait he licks it, tasting the fresh-frozen blood. He licks faster, more and more vigorously, lapping the blade until the keen edge is bare. Feverishly now, harder and harder, the wolf licks the blade in the arctic night. In his mad craving for blood he does not notice the razor sharp sting of the naked blade on his tongue, nor does he recognize the moment when his insatiable thirst begins to be satisfied by his own warm blood. His carnivorous appetite just craves more-until the dawn finds him dead in the snow.
This is a disgusting and horrifying story. Yet it can offer wisdom concerning the devouring nature of greed. Greed could be defined as desire with no discipline. If we truly want to live a purpose driven life we must resist the “Purchase Driven Christmas.” Whether it is our own undisciplined desires or the desires of others that drive us, we must be on our guard . . . especially this time of year. Our hopes and dreams for satisfaction and love are not enhanced by over-spending or dangerous giving. In fact, our enjoyment of this season will increase if we would choose to practice a few new disciplines. Try one or two and see how the purpose of Christmas comes alive!
Pray and ask who “can” I buy gifts for this year?
Stick to a budget: How much do you have to spend? 0? 25? 100? 500? Be honest about your amount and stick with it . . . without guilt 🙂
Choose new ways to give. Write letters. Frame a picture and present it with a memory of a great moment.
Start a tradition; Cook, build, write, sing or decorate something together. Visit a soup kitchen or a nursing home. Make a card with scripture for someone who is sick or depressed.
Look for new opportunities to be generous with your time, talent, and treasures for those who have less than you. Your gifts can make an eternal difference in someone’s life.
Go to church with family and friends on Christmas Day.
Share the gift of your faith this season. Nothing you can give this season can come close to the value of giving God’s love this Christmas.
We want to wish you all beautiful and generous moments of love leading up to the day we celebrate the greatest gift of all . . . Jesus Himself!
Love and Blessings,
Scott & Clare
Crossroads Church & Ministries
Crossroads Church & Ministries