For those who worship approval and affirmation, this is a good season as well, getting applause for the kindness you show to others (like the lady I saw checking out the other day, who paid for another's purchases, then spent too much time blushing and saying "Have a wonderful holiday!") and the money you put in the kettle. Okay, that lady? Maybe I was a bit jealous, because I would love to have thought of it first. So there.
And for those who love Lady Control, well, this is the season for you too. Think of all those holiday gatherings you get to be in charge of, and the people you get to move around and the gift money you get to handle.
Have I struck a nerve yet?
Even the birth of our precious Savior can morph into an idol-worshiping frenzy. Perhaps these words will help:
It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear
(Deuteronomy 6:13, quoted by Jesus in the wilderness). We are commanded to do away with our idols and worship the only God that can save, that can even hear, us.
Our idols hate us, and are intent on destroying us. And if you don't believe me, follow them in your mind down the path into the future and see where they lead. The shopping hunger is never satisfied, the desire to be loved is never quenched, and the control freak in us never quits. Ever. Ever. Read Psalm 73, and see if I'm not right: http://www.esvbible.org/Psalm+73/
And when you are sick to death of hating the wicked-but-wealthy ones, read verses 23-26 and relax in Him. I set them here for your comfort:
Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Amen.
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