Getting What We Deserve

So much of advertising these days, tells us we should treat ourselves to “what we deserve.” Of course, in fact, they have no idea what we deserve. They are appealing of course, to what people today may think we deserve.
 
We in our society have grown up on the teaching that we “deserve” the best of everything. And we have the right to fight for the best for ourselves, to boast of our accomplishments, to go out of our way to remind people around us of what we have done.
 
Politicians are tempted into that trap. Sports stars, and people of stage and screen fall prey to self-promotion. Leaders of all kinds share this vulnerability.
 
We watched at our house, a very exciting football game. The Vikings had scored first against the Panthers. Back and forth it seemed to go, down to the closing minutes. And then the Panthers scored a lucky touchdown. It was one of those where the Vikings could say, “We wuz robbed!” But, with only seconds to go they marched down the field and scored. But, the Panthers got the ball and got close enough to attempt an almost 50-yard field goal. But, went shy of the goalposts. The Vikings had won. Either side could have felt the game was theirs, that they deserved the victory.
 
Before the game, our “church” was Joel Osteen, broadcasting from his arena in Texas. He spoke wholesome wisdom about our attitude. That we needed to remember that God is always planning the best for us. That we need to remind ourselves that He is in charge. That it is our constant reminder to be kind and good, to be helpful and encouraging to others – not critical or complaining. To keep our nose up, as a good pilot always does with the nose of his airplane. That attitude will help to bring the good that God is ever planning for us.
 
It’s an “attitude of altitude” that allows us to keep going forward, serving and encouraging others, not dwelling on bad, unfair things that have brought hurt and disappointment to us. A way to let disappointments go, and replace them with the positives God is wanting to shower upon us.
 
We don’t have to “toot our horn.” God will bring the recognition He wants us to have. What “we deserve” is always in His hands.
 
People don’t enjoy others bragging about themselves. But they are always blessed when we come along and lift them up, with kindness and encouragement.
 
So many want to help us in that way. Let’s resolve to let them.
 
Your friend of the Advent Journey,
Arthur