DANGERS WE SHOULD AVOID IN THIS SEASON II
This season should be a time of joy because of the birth of Jesus our Savior. Yesterday we learned two dangers we should avoid this season and today we will learn two more so that nothing steals our joy and peace.
1.- Destructive spending. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. (1 Timothy 6:8)
- Many people become sad because they would like to have a gift to give to every friend or family member, but we shouldn’t spend what we don’t have nor let ourselves be run by the pressures of salespeople.
Avoid the use of credit cards and debt. There are people that have not finished paying off their debt from last Christmas or two Christmases back. “If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you. (Proverbs 22:27 NLT)
- We shouldn’t invest our priorities. When Jesus was born, the kings brought gifts. We shouldn’t take what belongs to God to spend on other things. We should continue to honor God with our tithes and offerings.
2.- Destructive memories. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4.8)
- In this season, many people can fall into the trap of remember failures in their lives: betrayal, injustice, divorce, imprisoned family, loss of a job, death of a loved one, etc.
- Jesus came to this world as a gift from God to humanity, that changed circumstances and the course of the lives of all those who believe in Him. We shouldn’t remember the past if Jesus healed us already. “…but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,” … (Philippians 3.13 NLT)
The best way to celebrate this time of year is to let Jesus be born in our hearts and invite Him to be a part of our celebration. This is an excellent season to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and He will give us the gift of salvation.
Think about it:
What gifts could you give that you can make on your own rather than spending what you don’t have?
What good things do you have to focus on instead of remembering all the sad memories?
Have you let Jesus enter your heart already?