No Place for the Grinch - Pt 4

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 ESV).

The third practical principle in banning the Grinch from our Christmas season is simply to make it about Jesus. Of course, the picture I have included in today’s devotional is a significant stretch in “photoshopping”; however, it does begin to convey some of what the apostle meant in our reading today when he said, Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (v. 31). The point is to make all of your activities center in Jesus. Let’s just use the seemingly endless task of shopping for that “perfect” gift for the one person on your list who always says, “I don’t need a thing.” Shopping is a difficult experience for me anyway, shopping for something “perfect” merely makes it worse. However, here are some ways to turn that into a kingdom mission: Go with someone else with whom you can share nourishing fellowship or share the gospel. Pray before you go out for divine appointments, and be intention to look for people with whom you can share the gospel. Bless the harried retail cashiers and sales persons with a kind word, your fellow harried shoppers with your kind patience, and your harried restaurant server with a generous tip. Be prepared to be generous with the bell ringers, exit ramp beggars, and panhandlers in Jesus’ name. Buy a couple $5 gift cards to convenient fast food places to give away with a gospel blessing. Pray that God will help you find remarkable deals. God loves to bless generosity and cares whether your shopping will glorify him. Ask him (cf. John 15:7). I’m sure you can add to this list. The bottom line is this: make Christmas about Jesus, and not about money or possessions. Be generous, be restrained, and be first about Jesus’ kingdom. And remember to revel in the Christmas glory! Party more heartily and purer than ever before this season. Let the glorious, generous, abundant, joyful, warm, wonderful Light of the world shine brightly in all your celebrations! Let your heart grow at least three sizes!