Within the land of Canaan is the city of Jerusalem. The “City of Peace,” as it is translated in English. Unfortunately, along with its territory, the city itself has arguably been the most fought-over piece of land since God promised it to Abraham and his descendants. Why does it seem like the world is in a constant state of war and strife? Why is peace so hard to obtain? Why is peace so hard to maintain? In the words of the late Rodney King, “why can’t we all just get along?” The apostle James says that strife and war come about because of the desire for pleasuring oneself, James 4:1. The Greek word used for pleasure is hedonism, which is defined as the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence. In other words, war and strife come about because we want to make ourselves happy no matter the hurt, pain, and sorrow we cause others. It’s all about me.

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Despite the uptick in COVID-19 cases, many people made plans to celebrate Thanksgiving with family & friends. However, I will ask you to pause from your planning just long enough to think about what Thanksgiving means in the Biblical sense?

Is it really all about the social gatherings that could cause this to be the last Thanksgiving your loved ones will spend with family? Is it about what you want or what is best for everyone?  What about the thousands among us who may not feel thankful according to society’s standards.

 

They lost a loved one to C)VID-19. They didn’t get the job because the virus shut down the company. They didn’t get the medical results they wanted. They couldn’t afford to keep the car or the house. They lost a child or a spouse. According to society’s standards, they have nothing to be thankful for.

Yet the Bible says, “in all things give thanks…”

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