James 1:16-17 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

The devil never gives anyone anything good, but he sure tries to take credit for stuff. James is trying throughout his letter to protect his readers from the devil’s deceptions. Actually, these days, at least in Western nations, the devil doesn’t try to get good stuff attributed to some idol. Instead, he tells people they created it themselves, with no divine intervention at all, or that it came about completely by chance. That’s the premise of Secular Humanism, and it essentially removes all moral framework from society. Another variation is being tried by the current US government, replacing God with Government. A recent statement by the president, essentially saying that no one can accomplish anything without the help of Government, is a clear example of that. James urges us not to be deceived! “Stingy” is one of the last things God could rightly be accused of, but the devil tries to foster an entitlement mentality so that we will be dissatisfied with the abundance God pours out on us. Focusing on what we don’t have (from our viewpoint) robs us of peace and joy and robs God of the thanks and praise He deserves.

This is something that trips me up only occasionally, but there are many around me who seem to be stuck in it. They are truly to be pitied! I have been amazed to discover how difficult it can be to get someone into an “attitude of gratitude,” as the saying goes. I have worked with physically handicapped people who wallowed in their handicaps, demanding that everything be given to them, and I have worked with handicapped people who were magnificent examples of making the best, grateful use of what they had, rather than bemoaning what they didn’t have. The thing is, as Cathy’s sign language teacher in her junior college days said, we are all handicapped, it’s just that some people’s handicaps are more obvious than others. I have come to this firm conviction myself, but helping other people realize it often isn’t easy. I need to teach what James said, with the emphasis on “every,” so that more and more people may come into the emotional richness of grateful appreciation for all that God pours out on them.

Father, I am sometimes in awe of all that You do for me. It is amusing to see how “well to do” people think we are, compared with our monetary income, because You bless us in so many ways that the tax office has no interest in. Help me grow this flock to indeed seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, (Matthew 6:33) with grateful appreciation for all You pour out on us, so that we won’t allow the devil to steal any of our peace and joy, and so that You will be glorified. Thank You. Praise God!