Going straight to the Cross
 

The Greatest Challenge

by A. A. Neale

Surrounded by immorality, a Christian fights an uphill battle to remain pure. But that is not his greatest challenge.

In a world awash in words and alternative philosophies, a Christian struggles to get the divine Word out. But that is not his greatest challenge.

In the rush of daily events, a Christian vigorously defends his time alone with the Lord. But even that is not his greatest challenge.

This is an opinion, and you are more than welcome to differ with me, but I think I have good evidence (in my own life) to back it up.

The Christian's greatest challenge is to live each day with a prayer of gratitude on his lips and with an attitude of thanksgiving among his fellow creatures.

The world's biggest problem is the gripe. Complaining is not just the fashion, the rage, the in-thing to do. It is the way of the world.

The moment you take up a worldly gripe, you lose gratitude. Let the miserly complaint find lodging in your heart, only to discover the gladness of thankfulness has fled to higher ground.

For lack of gratitude, almost the entire nation of Israel fell in the desert.

For lack of gratitude, nine lepers left Jesus marvelling before a single Samaritan.

For lack of gratitude, Esau sold out his birthright for a quick meal.

Thankful means I know the price paid for my soul. Thankful means I recognize that every good and perfect give comes from the Father of lights. Thankful means I understand that even the suffering I endure has its benefits. Thankful means I live in the embrace of a God who continually thinks of my well-being.

Blessed Lord of heaven and earth, you and you alone deserve all praise and honor and glory. Thank you for your love, your giving, your blessing, your presence. Thank you above all for your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Col. 3:15-17, NASB).

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