Wrong Thinking

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21 (NIV)

It’s Black Friday! Millions of people that were giving thanks for the things that they have are now elbowing and shoving their way through the crowds to save a few dollars. It’s not that they can’t buy the item later, this is about money. The stores have spent millions to convince us that we need to camp out in line in the freezing cold, crush our neighbor trying to crowd through the front door, and push the little old lady out of the way so we can get a blender for $9.99. Black Friday is the embodiment of selfishness all done under the guise of celebrating Jesus and giving to others. Wow! Now that is some wrong thinking.

Paul tells us that those that had known God but did not glorify Him as God and did not give thanks to Him became futile in their thinking and their hearts were darkened. What embodies that more than the displays we see during this season as we claim to be celebrating Jesus. He left the splendor of Heaven, lived in poverty, and gave His body as a sacrifice for sin so that we might learn how to live. He taught us to love others, to put others first and to take the lowest seat at the table, not to seek honor but to seek to serve. Somewhere along the line our thinking has become futile and our hearts foolish.

As we begin this season of joy and peace to men, remember that the only way to attain those wonderful gifts are from God. God didn’t send some reindeer pulling a sled packed with goodies. He came! He lived! He died! He gave Himself so that we might be restored to fellowship with the Father. If we want to celebrate Jesus let’s live and love more like Him. That might require us to walk away from the crowd today.