Men's Rosary

In today’s culture we seem to be losing our sense of thankfulness. It is a sad commentary that we are inclined to rely on ourselves and take credit for that which is good…and blame others for any bad.

In reality, all that we have has been given to us. It is all God’s and he can give or take away. We are only to be good stewards of the gifts we receive. We really own nothing. “And he said, Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

No matter how much we “have” in this world, we leave it ALL behind. We go before God naked and to be judged. And we will be judged not by our earthly successes, or lack thereof, but by how much we have loved. God IS love and we are to love as he loves. And the way we love as he loves, is by living in imitation of his son. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

So, we are to imitate Christ. In so doing we love in a perfect way. We live willing the good of others. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17) This is not an easy task, but we are not alone. Christ is with us every step and the Holy Spirit will provide the wisdom we need. We need only to ask. The way to ask is through prayer. Prayer and thanksgiving must be an essential part of our lives. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)

So regardless of what we do and what we may have, it is not all our doing. It is the abundance of love that God has for us. I have heard many successful people proudly say they are a self-made man. What a sad commentary. How will this person ever see peace? How will they ever fully experience God’s love? We have a part in things to be sure. God provides but we have to work. The risk is pride, and seeing only our work, and taking the credit away from God. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God – not because of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I remember a time when I would worry myself terribly about the finances and providing for my wife and children. I would not be able to sleep and get up in the middle of the night and plan and figure so that all would go well. It drove me crazy. But I did this for years on end. I learned that it is not for me to figure it out but to ask God for help, accept his will and work to do my part in his plan for me. “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6-7) So, I prayed more and worried less. I asked God for the work to provide for my family and the health and strength to be able to work, promising to always do my part in working through him. As men we really do need to check our pride and humble ourselves so we can see God for what he is. Pride and self-dependence are blinders to our faith. We have to take off the blinders and look at things through the eyes of Christ. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We are blessed. God gives us all we need on earth, and he provides a way to be with him for all eternity in heaven. It is good to enjoy the pleasant things we receive, and we should be willing to accept the unpleasant things that come our way. We should also see the suffering of others as a gift to us in that we have the opportunity to love in serving them in their needs. This is counter-intuitive, but then again, God’s ways are not our ways!

“I will give to the Lord the thanks due his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” (Psalms 7:17)