Thought for the week
Many politicians today want to tell us what’s wrong with our world, and then tell us whom to blame.
They remind us that we are underpaid, exploited, unequal, deceived, oppressed, robbed, and cheated – and the result is that we become distrustful, dissatisfied and increasingly angry.
But, there is another story. Despite the fact we are all convinced we don’t earn enough, most of us are comfortably well off. Even my meagre minister’s salary puts me in the top one per cent of the world’s wealthy – and everyone in Scotland is in the top five per cent (if you don’t believe me, check www. globalrichlist.net).
Leaving aside economics, we enjoy unprecedented peace and stability in this country. And then there are the other blessings that surround us: the beauty of nature, the wonder of children, friendship, community life, art, music, taste of food, work, leisure and laughter. There is so much to be thankful for. While politics may focus on dissatisfaction and blame, Christian worship focuses in the opposite direction. Worship moves us from discontentment to thankfulness, appreciation and gratitude.
Jesus said: “Consider how the lilies grow. They don’t work or spin yarn, but I tell you that not even King Solomon in all his splendour was clothed like one of them. Now if that’s the way God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and thrown into an oven tomorrow, how much more will he clothe you—you who have little faith? So stop worrying yourselves, about what you will eat or what you will drink, and stop being distressed. Surely your Father knows what you need!”
There is indeed much selfishness and injustice in our world, and with that we should never be content. But perhaps if we were reminded of all the blessings God has given us, and all the riches we enjoy from him, not only would we be more content in ourselves, but our thankfulness to him might lead us to a renewed generosity towards others.
You’d be welcome to join us in our praise any Sunday, but if not, why offer your own daily prayer of thanksgiving? Rev Alistair May Stonelaw Parish Church