Do you have any Scrooge’s in your life? It just seems futile to try and keep those people happy or in a positive state of mind?
I mean, it seems some folks “have it all” and still they want to grumble and complain while others seem to have very little of the pleasures of life and are always smiling and encouraging others.
The difference between the two is their definition of rich.
Bob Cratchit worked in harsh conditions. Long hours, low pay and underappreciated but he went home every night to a family who loved him and he was rich. Ebenezer Scrooge was rich – he lived in a big home, counted his money often but lived unhappy and alone.
Rich – what does that word bring to mind? At this time of year, it can be used in several ways.
Our conversation was rich with laughter.
The fudge was rich.
The presence of family and friends is rich.
That’s a present fit for a king but it requires his riches to buy it.
Rich: 1. wealthy: owning a lot of money or expensive property 2. worth much: worth a great deal of money 3. costly and fine: made from or consisting of things of the highest quality.
What things in life make you feel rich?
Remember a couple of days ago when I used the verses from John 1 about the Word (Jesus) became flesh. Ok, so hold that thought for a moment and let’s look at Colossians.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 KJV
Let the word dwell in you richly or let’s put it this way. When Christ, who is the word, dwells in us we become rich in wisdom. Now there’s a novel concept, rich in wisdom. Wisdom is a commodity that money can’t buy but dwelling in the Word makes wisdom available.
“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. 16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:15-17 ERV
Now there are some gifts that we all desire – peace, thankfulness, wisdom. A relationship with Christ, the Word, brings the richness of these gifts to our lives.
God bless us everyone!
Merry Christ – mas!