By Bob Beetler
Thanksgiving is designated for giving thanks to God. One way to do that is to turn off the T.V. and open your Bible. May I suggest that you read the last two chapters of the book of Acts? It records the Apostle Paul's voyage to Italy as a prisoner of Rome. They experienced a tremendous Mediterranean tempest, which included a shipwreck. When they finally reached Italy, some Christian friends met him on the road to Rome. Paul "thanked God and took courage." People who are thankful to God are often encouraged in the darkest hour. Two hundred seventy-six people were in jeopardy for many days and nights, but their safety was dependant on the one man who knew Christ and believed God. As our ship of state faces possible shipwreck, the key to national survival is really the faithfulness of a Godly remnant. God in His mercy would have spared Sodom had there been 10 righteous people. Are you one of those on which America's survival depends?
Most Americans are in the pursuit of happiness, but never arrive because the things of this world do not produce it. A local pastor recently said, "Ninety percent of unhappiness is caused by selfishness."
Selfishness is manifested by discontentment, which is the antithesis of a grateful spirit. Grumblers in America would change their tune if for one month they were forced to trade places with the starving masses in Africa. Do the "occupiers" look hungry? Are they not rebels without a cause? They are rebelling against decency and respect for the rights and property of others; making messes for others to clean up, and costing hard-working taxpayers millions of dollars.
According to the Bible, by nature, all of us also have a sinful self-centered heart. A toddler does not need to be taught how to throw a tantrum to get his way. And, why are bullies now such a problem in schools? Because their self-centeredness was not curbed with the rod when they were children. Many adults didn't get spanked as children. Therefore, taxpayers must pay for more law-enforcement officers and jails. (But there is a silver lining. They can have a Bible and hear the gospel in jail.)
Some years ago I overheard a parent expressing concern to the principal about her kids being exposed to drugs at school. He said, "Is there an answer?" Yes, sir, there is. But it is thrown out of our tax-supported schools. The answer is Christ and the Bible. So we have a couple of generations that have been deprived of the truth, and taught that they are here by accident, not by design; therefore there is no purpose. And there is no such thing as absolute truth. Of course, one culture is as good as another; and, who are we to judge? You decide for yourself what is right for you.
Contrariwise, Jesus said, "Thy Word is truth." And His Word says that the gospel of Christ will "open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God..." (Acts 26:18) That changes behavior.
Another manifestation of selfishness is envy. "Envy is the rottenness of the bones" (Prov. 14:30). We used to say, "What's eatin' you?" Harboring envy, which produces hate, resentment and bitterness, does affect your health, big time.
Here are a few historical examples of the crimes which envy has spawned. Because of envy, Cain killed Abel, the first murder in human history (I John. 3:12). The brothers of Joseph envied him, threw him into a pit to die; and later decided to sell him to slave traders (Gen. 37). King Saul envied David and tried to kill him (I Sam.15). Haman built a high gallows to hang Mordecai the Jew because of envy (Esther 5). All the presidents and princes envied Daniel and concocted a scheme to put him in a den of lions (Dan. 6). And of course, Jesus Christ, "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth," was delivered to Pilate to be crucified because of envy (Matt.27:18).
The "occupiers," instead of counting what the "rich" have, should be counting their blessings and counting on Christ and His shed blood to cleanse them from their own sin. Their envy may be setting the stage for blood in the streets because of America's rejection of Christ. "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again unto the Lord." (Lam. 3:40)
Bob Beetler is a resident of Battle Mountain.
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