Christmas is a great time to give and receive gifts. More importantly, it is a time in the calendar to reflect on the great doctrine of the incarnation. As strange as it may sound, it is also a dangerous time for the soul.
The love of riches and material things can (and if left unchecked will) lead us away from God (1 Tim. 6:10, Matt. 6:19-24). And in our wealthy culture, our flesh constantly faces the temptation towards loving things too much (materialism). Advertisements are flying fast and furious like shrapnel. These advertisements generally work by tempting us to make our desires into needs. And needs quickly become things my heart demands and focuses on and thinks I can't live without.
The solution isn't to go hide in a cave or to mute all the commercials (though the latter isn't a bad idea). I think the solution is to be more focused on God and His kingdom. We should center our thinking and conversations and desires around God and his rule in our lives and the world. As we see God as our ultimate treasure our hearts are free to enjoy good gifts without turning them into objects of need and worship (Matt. 6:31-33).
During war, you would do well to be alert and ready to fight. The same is true spiritually. In an effort to prepare your soul for this battle, I encourage you to listen to this short (4 minute) clip of John Piper answering the question "What is the danger in being a middle-class, comfortable Christian?".
A blog designed to encourage Grace Church of Tallahassee College/Career members to think biblically in all areas of life and to grow in the knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness (Titus 1:1). The title is based on Titus 2:12 where Paul says that the grace of God saves us and trains us to live godly lives in the present age.
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