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How Much Do You Want?

Consumerism is our rear view mirror and God is in the blind spot.

Confused? So am I because when my dad was teaching me to drive he told me the driver's blind spot was a myth. 'Maniacs on the road just need to learn how to adjust their mirrors.' Regardless of the veracity on that little piece of parental advice, I do believe that our consumer mentality is causing us problems.

I listen to sports talk radio and I heard two similar stories this morning that make me wonder if I should have practiced my batting swing more as a kid. A pitcher for the Yankees is talking about opting out of his 90-million dollar contract so he can sign a bigger contract. Another player is asking his team to sign him for a 10-year, $300-million contract. (Excuse me for a moment while I ponder in which pocket to place the dime I just found.)

How much do you want? It's not just athletes who crave more. I watch families, including my own, as we take a look at our busy schedules and figure out how we can squeeze just one more appointment in. Much like George Costanza's wallet (from Seinfeld), our schedules are filled with too much. We just can't fit in everything, so choices have to be made.

But what seems to be missing is what God wants. Relax, there is no faith versus works discussion coming. But I did find a long sentence from the Apostle Paul which ends with 'this is God's will'. I don't know about you, but that phrase is like an excited 7th grade girl who updates her status in bold print, ALL CAPS and no less than 17 exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So what does God want for us? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. There are 3 things.
  1. Be joyful always.
  2. Pray continually.
  3. Give thanks in all circumstances.
Among some of the things found in the Bible, this would appear to be towards the easier side of things. I would even say this could be the simple outline for each of our days.

Be joyful - start your day choosing to make this day a good day. After all, today is the day the Lord has made. You're alive, so rejoice (Psalm 118:24). In many ways, this day will be what you make of it.

Pray continually - the whole day should be one full day of keeping connected with God. Clearly, that won't mean that you have your hands folded and head bowed all day. But consider your day and ask yourself, 'Is there anything in my day that won't be better if God's involved?'

Give thanks - end each day with a thank you to God. After all, no matter how many hard things came your way, you did survive. If nothing else, thank God for that.

I believe that God is looking for a change in perspective in His creation. Instead of constantly consuming and looking out for ourselves, we should be on the look-out for the real #1.
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