Shade Tree Wisdom 11/25/08

When Jesus asked, “But where are the nine?”, He pointed to a problem that has always been with us, ingratitude. Almost from the beginning, right after the flood, the Lord promised “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is only evil from childhood”. Gen 8,21.

So here it is nearly Thanksgiving Day. And the troubles of the world do not seem to be getting any less. Even such common manners as saying ”Thank you” gets “no problem” as a response, and sets teeth on edge. Of course it ought not be a problem to the waiter, that’s his job, after all. But saying “you’re welcome" doesn’t really make much sense either, since the Dictionary defines “you’re welcome” as “You’re under no obligation for a favor given”. Saying “no problem” is a sort of phrase to cover the lack of ability to find an expression that is really suitable (Born of laziness).

Which reminds me of the story of a man who goes to his doctor with all sorts of complaints and asked for checkup. That done, he asks the doctor “What’s wrong with me? Give it to me in language I can understand, and not in some medical terms”. The doctor says, “You’re lazy”. “OK,” replies the man, “Now give me the medical term so I can tell my boss”.

More than simply ingratitude, the world is getting bolder and more active in attacking Christianity. A British Humanist organization campaigned with this slogan, “There’s probably no god, now stop worrying and enjoy life”. Which was followed in America with signs on busses reading, “Why believe in god, just be good for goodness sake”. That’s in Washington. In the west this, “Don’t believe in God? You’re not alone”.

Well, they say they are planting “. . .a seed of rational thought and critical thinking and questioning in people’s minds”.

Let me suggest another thought, from God’s Word. It reads, 1 “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works; There is none that doeth good”. Psalm 14,1 (see also Ps. 53.)

Instead, this week, “Let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands, serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing. Ps. 100,1.2.

Yes, “Come, ye thankful people come.” For our God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place, so that I can have life eternal.

For this, most of all, let’s be thankful.

GPD 11/25/08