Hey gang. This is John
“Thank you” is a phrase we use that we use a lot (hopefully, if you’re well mannered) day to day. But truly being thankful is something that is a lot less common. I know personally that for me being thankful is something that takes work and effort, and doesn’t necessarily come easy. But when I am thankful I notice a difference. I am more happy, less stressed out, and in general a much better version of myself. I believe that this is because when we are thankful we are more the person God created us to be. Last week Paul talked about being a blessing to God through our thoughts and actions, and the only way that we are going to start the journey of being a blessing to God and the World is by being thankful.
It is ironic that as we enter the holiday season through “Thanksgiving”, a tradition originally intended to help us “take stock” of all the blessings we’ve been given, we at the same time are entering into the most consumeristic, me-centered time of year. The focus all to quickly shifts to what we want, and what we are going to get. Therefore, as a community in Elevate we are going to help each other keep in mind all that we’ve been given and encourage each other to look for opportunities in which we can be a blessing to God and the world this holiday season.
Small Group Questions
John talked about the saying “It is better to give than receive.” Has there ever been a time that you have given something and felt really good about the experience or what happened? Share in detail your experiences.
Do you think this saying is true? Why or why not? If you do think it is better to give than receive how can that be true? (Seems like it should be the other way around)
What are some ways that we can remind ourselves of all that God has given us and not fall into the trap of just thinking about what we want, and what we will get?
Take a few minutes and talk about some of the things you are most thankful for. Often times we get familiar with our lives and take a lot of things for granted. But as the group shares, hopefully you will remind each other of all that God has given us.
Last, brainstorm ways that you can creatively give this holiday season. From gifts, to cookies, to time, and so on, really think about unique ways in which you can bless those around you and by doing so be a blessing to God.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I love this lesson because it teaches humility whitch is hard to find sometimes. especially with the holidays comming and all. this lesson will help all the girls to see what the holidays are really about(in case they forgot)
~cauble
I believe that my guys have probably heard something they think is like this week's topic. They might hear the topic and only get "thanksgiving is a time of thanks". But I hope we will dive into this deeply and talk about why it is so much better to give than to recieve. I believe if we all understand this topic that it will help us out during this holiday season.
Sorry i posted so late, I didn't see this weeks lesson on sunday
-Tommy Tyson
Post a Comment