A Thankful Heart

We have all seen them. A grotesque third world war zone. A slum. Then a child wanders through the trash littered street. And a voice over implores you to "help a child". The images are haunting and they don't want to go away. You feel guilty.

Is this really what helping others is all about? I beg to differ.

I truly believe that the place to start when you want to reach out to others in Christ's Name is a thankful heart. The Bible says many times to give thanks in all circumstances. If we give out of guilt (or perceived guilt) or an emotional response, the giving will cease when our emotional need is not being met anymore. Long term giving as a lifestyle must begin from the heart of gratefulness.

Many Americans have a sense of being shortchanged- that life has treated us unfairly. My parents divorced, my dad wouldn't buy me a car, we are poor... and the list goes on and on. I am not pointing these out to say they don't matter. They do matter to God and to the person feeling that life has treated them unfairly. But, as it is, life IS unfair.

The key to contentment and a sense of peace is looking for things to be thankful for.

I challenge everybody reading this to sit down and write out 100 things that they are thankful for. Then write me back with a short list and why each is a blessing from God.

The Bible says we are to give cheerfully. We don't have to be sad or feel guilty. God does call us to use our resources for His Glory.

A good place to start would be http://www.mwb-us.org and see what you can do to help.

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