I like to do Black Friday. Getting up at four in the morning to go out early before the crowds really get going has always been fun. The people who are out and about are usually nice and friendly. Too bad this year was spoiled by some of the stores opening at midnight. I’m sure you’ve heard the stories, shootings, fights over gaming systems, and even one woman who pepper sprayed a crowd so she could get what she wanted. The worst part, her children were apparently with her at the time.
I can’t imagine wanting something so bad I’d hurt others physically to get it. It’s just a material possession. I don’t understand shooting someone over an Xbox. I won’t sleep in a tent for a week to get a deal on a big screen television. Why do I get the feeling some of those people standing in line for these items are also standing in line for unemployment or behind on their child support?
What has happened to our priorities? We no longer do things with the mind frame that we’re celebrating Jesus’ birth. Instead, it’s about getting the biggest and the best for the least amount, no matter who it affects. When did this become a nation of “It’s all about me?” We need to become one where it’s “all about Him.”
Luke 6:45 reads, A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Sometimes our actions speak louder than words. How many of those people fighting over stuff were also standing in church on Sunday?
Let’s make a pact that we will keep Jesus in the forefront of our minds this holiday season. Before we purchase anything, we will pray about whether it is something that’s really needed. Before we go to someone’s house to celebrate, we will pray that our actions do not become an embarrassment to Him. And before we sit down to eat in our warm homes, we will pray for the people living in cars that might not have enough food.
Ask God to show us where our priorities are, and then to put our sights on Him.
Its a sad situation when such a great nation as ours is being brought to its knees by greed, rudeness and complete lack of compassion for others. No wonder we are quickly losing respect and our economy is in such a mess –
it is a reflection of the need for a turning toward God – a revival of love and faith in God not in games or the internet.
That is so, so true.