I read something last night before bed that kept me up longer than I wanted to be up. I’m rereading parts of “The Shattered Lantern” by Ronald Rolheiser. He said…
The original sin of Adam and Eve, the prototype of all sin, is presented as a failure to be receptive and grateful.
Just think about it for a second. God creates Adam and Eve and places them in the garden where they are surrounded by unmistakable beauty and all the goodness of life. They are experiencing the fullness of life, the way it was intended to be and are promised it will continue…under one condition. Just don’t eat the fruit of a certain tree.
However, we all know they would eventually fail to receive life as a gift and instead try to seize it as if it were owed to them.
When I think of my own life and the sin that often creeps in, it usually begins with my failure to see life as a gift.
My lust.
My pride.
My anger.
My lack of forgiveness.
It’s all the overflow of a heart which begins to believe that something is “owed” to me.
I’m wondering how different today would be for each one of us if we seek to go through this day today viewing our life, our circumstances, our relationships and yes, even our hardships and challenges as gifts. As opportunities to be the men or women God has created us to be.
Today I seek to be receptive and grateful.
Powerful word here. So true. I think many times we do see things as a gift, initially. But as soon as the newness wears off or we experience a little bit of achievement or success (in whatever form we measure it)… that mindset of it being owed to us takes over. “I deserve” this or that because “I” did _____. “It’s okay for me to _____ because I’ve _____.” Maybe feeling owed is also a form of rationalization. We use it to rationalize our sins and trick ourselves into weighting them in some way as if some sin is not sin at all but justified action. Like a white lie being okay. It’s still a lie.
Side note… great job on your 9 minute talk from The Nines yesterday.
Wow, what a perfectly timely reminder for me today! I woke up with the song “You make everything glorious and I am yours!” running through my head as well…
OK, I get the message. Today I seek to be receptive and grateful, too, deliberately focusing on the gifts I have received and the work God is doing in me!
I love this Daniel… “It’s okay for me to _____ because I’ve _____.” I’ve played that game a few times!
Receptive and grateful…good stuff. I love the idea he presented.
.-= sherri´s last blog ..Nightmare on Elm Street =-.
An ungrateful brat! That’s me. Oh boy…at least I’m not in denial, right? Continual work in progress here too.
Ok something funny: I was discussing Adam and Eve with our little ones the other night after reading the story. Our second born (a girl) is one funny little person. I asked, “What happened to Adam and Eve when they disobeyed God and ate the fruit?” Lydia’s answer, “They sweated.”
That’s right Folks…we can blame the need for antiperspirant on Adam & Eve. lol
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..I am NOTHING =-.
I am astounded at times by my lack of gratitude. I need this in front of me ALL THE TIME.
.-= pendy´s last blog ..Hit the Road, Mia =-.
I find that not only do I think I deserve the gift after the newness wears off, but it only takes a short time until I’m wanting something else!
For example, I prayed and fretted over finding a job a few months ago, but now that I have one, I’m wanted a “better” job.
Thanks for that reminder to be grateful!
.-= Emily @ The Pilot’s Wife´s last blog ..Cow Says "Mooo" =-.
FOR me it is sooo easy to look around and see ungratefulness…..from adults to kids and just about the time I am getting on my high horse….the Lord has a way of putting His finger right on an area in my life that reveals selfishness and the lack of gratefulness in my own heart!!!!
.-= Michele Helms´s last blog ..Homemade Laundry Soap!!?? =-.
Thank you for a very timely reminder that all things can and should be looked upon as gifts and lessons.
This is something so many need to hear but so few listen to. I hope it touches all of us in a way that will affect change today!
Thanks!
~Kate
.-= Katy´s last blog ..School Days have officially started… =-.
This is timely!
Often in prayer I come to God with all my needs and personal requests and I have to stop myself half way through, as I suddenly realize how much it must hurt our Heavenly Father when we come to Him primarily asking Him to meet our needs as oppossed to thanking Him for His grace and mercy which are freely given.
It is one of those lessons I am constantly relearning and if I am honest, I feel it is directly linked with how much time I spend daily in God’s presence. The lesser time with Him, the more I want to express my needs to Him and not find out what His will is for my life and that of others around me.
I get so annoyed at myself sometimes!
.-= ransom33´s last blog ..IT IS TIME! =-.
Pendy couldn’t have summed up my own thoughts more succinctly!
This past weekend I had a day where I was a royal pain in the you-know-what. In a mood about all the things that were not “right” in my life. I went around noticing how much my kids were NOT pitching in to help out. I got into a real tizzy about a room in our house that is driving me nuts because it’s so ugly. I felt underappreciated. It was like I was working as hard as I could to be angry and upset. Worse yet, I knew I was doing it and couldn’t seem to stop myself for quite awhile. It even spoiled my ability to be present at mass such that I had to get up and walk out of church!
Finally I got out of the house and away from everyone, took a break, gave myself a good talking to, and went home and apologized to my wonderful husband for acting like Princess Jan. Of course, he forgave me without saying anything to rub it in, because he’s awesome.
I thought about what I might do to prevent this from happening again. So on Monday, I sat down and wrote myself a little list of 100 things I am grateful for. I folded that piece of paper up and put it in my wallet so that I can pull it out and look it over when the need arises. Because I think it mostly a matter of perspective. My kids still aren’t perfect, and that room in my house is still as butt-ugly as it was on Sunday, but today I can look at both and be happy with them. All because I decided to make a point of reminding myself that I am abundantly blessed.
.-= Jan C.´s last blog ..Another Year Bites the Dust =-.
@Pete, the next blog I read was “Operation Nice,” which is always a great one to check in on. Melissa has a little “Nice Assignment” posted over there that I think is apropos of your post today. If you want to check it out, here is the link: http://www.operationnice.com/2009/09/nice-assignment-10-thank-you-cards.html
.-= Jan C.´s last blog ..Another Year Bites the Dust =-.
Wow – SO MANY PEOPLE need to hear this (yup, myself included). I really believe that the mess we’re dealing with collectively as a nation is completely based on this. If we all could have been receptive and grateful for the many blessings we’ve been given, we may not be in the situations we’re in today.
Hope you get to take a cat nap today to recover from your Jack Handy night…
…that something is “owed” to me.
Dude, I could so go political with this post, but that is not what this is about.
It seems like every year since I became an adult and my B-day falls on a weekday, I wake up frustrated that it is going to be just another day. Then yesterday my wife had to remind me of a gift (from God). She said “you are alive (and sober).” I wish I could wake up that grateful every morning.
.-= Jody´s last blog ..Too tired =-.
Wow. Just thinking on when Adam & Eve sinned, God had to make the first sacrifice by killing animals to cover ‘their shame’. I’m so selfish and ‘me’-minded. I’m praying today, and every tomorrow that comes my way, that I’ll be thankful the last sacrifice He made to cover my shame.
Thank you, Jesus. I could not pay the price of my disobedience, so I thank You for paying it for me.
Thanks, Pastor Pete, for something savory to ruminate on throughout the day.
.-= Tina Dee´s last blog ..Book Giveaway & Interview with Author Amber Stockton! =-.
Well, that was a swift spiritual kick to a painful location.
I’m working to look at my hardships as gifts…it is NOT easy, man.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..Any ladies willing to help me help my wife? =-.
@Tina Dee, So glad someone else struggles with being “me-minded”.
I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately that has really made me pause and think.
First, our culture is so “me” oriented. We do think we deserve good things in life, especially if we are Christians living in the USA and although many feel that culture doesn’t affect us in the church that’s only because we’re a part of it. I forget where I read it: It’s like a fish in water; it doesn’t realize it’s wet.
It’s sad to admit but many churches are comprised of consumer christians and even model their churches to that mentality and expectation….. the expectation that a church should serve ME instead of me serving others in the church. The expectation of what I can “get” by being a Christian.. and I’m guilty of telling people life is better with Christ. Because it IS but not always in the ways we associate “better.” To promise someone a more comfortable life because they convert to Christianity is misleading and encourages the consumerist mentality.
I don’t want to be picky here but I think that some (me?) have perpetuated this belief that Jesus exists for our purposes. If I believe that then yes, I”m going to be ungrateful because I have a certain expectation of what Jesus should do for ME.
If I shift my focus to Him and His glory instead of me and what I think is right, or fair, then I can’t help but be grateful and receptive. A reminder of who I am and who God is and his unmerited favor.
I know; it seems like such a simple thing to write, harder to do but it’s been truly freeing the last few days as I remind myself of this. It has freed me to experience joy and gratitude.
.-= Torybee´s last blog ..Soli Deo Gloria =-.
Wonderful, Pete!!!
Give me the address of your church, I’m on my way, haha!!!
.-= Lauren Kelly´s last blog ..Thursday ramblings! =-.
Arghhhh.
Receptive and grateful…even in the tough times. Especially in the tough times.
Did I mention…..arghhhh?
.-= Melissa Irwin´s last blog ..The Best Part =-.
Great Insight!!! I also (need to) seek to be receptive and grateful!
.-= Maureen´s last blog ..When it rains, it pours! =-.
Thanks for sharing this today! Good stuff!
.-= Alison´s last blog ..Go HOGS Go! =-.
Word.
.-= Lex´s last blog ..Nesting =-.
@Melissa, “Argghhhh” sums it up very well.
Wow! I love, love, love that quote!
You’re so right! I’d seen that concept presented before, but how soon I forget. Thank God for all of His goodness toward us!!
.-= Brandon Cox´s last blog ..Two Pathways to More Relevant Preaching =-.
Sucks to be a Sinner! I stuggle with me syndrome too. Thank you God that you forgive and allow us to fail so we will draw closer to you. Suck to be a sinner, but glad I am because I have a God that love me unconditionally!
This has Philippians 2 all over it. Because we do not simply take “comfort in his love” we find ourselves grasping for equality with God. Adam grasps the apple, Jacob grasps the birthright and blessing, and here we are thousands of years later still grasping for power, security, wealth, and “rights.” And yet, the one who was in his very nature, God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
.-= Kester´s last blog ..Help In Humility =-.
Thanks, Pete, for this thoughtful word. I’ve always thought of it as a failure to trust. I suppose not being grateful and receptive is actually just that. Not trusting that what is being given to you is all you really need. Not trusting that your needs are already being met. I appreciate the tweak to my thoughts. Be blessed…enjoy!
Arghhhh!
.-= Melissa Irwin´s last blog ..9 Days =-.
Good word Pastor!
.-= T. Rousey´s last blog ..“The NINES” =-.
i so desire to have a teachable spirit, to be receptive. and i know i need to up my grateful game.
thanks for the challenging reminder.
.-= alece´s last blog ..the truth about myself =-.
Great word. Reminds me of John Eldredge’s words in Walking with God: “it’s not what he isn’t giving but what he is giving. we can get so locked onto what we don’t have, what we think we want or need, that we miss the gifts God is giving.”
Thanks also for your contribution to thenines.
It’s usually a one liner like this:
“It’s all the overflow of a heart which begins to believe that something is “owed” to me.”
that hits me hard in discussions like this.
It’s a new perspective of my failures (sin) that I haven’t had before.
Thank you
.-= Tony LaMarca´s last blog ..For Better or For Worse =-.
Good word Pete. Let us never forget that we are who we are and have what we have because of His Love, Grace, and Mercy and not because of anything we have or could ever do, lest we begin to believe that we pulled ourselves up by our boot straps and find ourselves having to be reminded the hard way just who it was that gave us those boots in the first place.
.-= John´s last blog ..Reverse Style Fill in the Blank Friday =-.
TUFF STUFF…. I always say, “You don’t REALLY appreciate something until you’ve been without it”… I wonder if that’s what Adam and Eve thought afterwards… hmmmmm
@Sam, great quote. Haven’t read that book but should probably put it on the list!
Gooooood Stuff Pete! Mike and I have been going through Larry Crabb’s book Shattered Dreams, a huge key in accepting shattered dreams is giving up the CRAZY notion that God owes me something…
It’s all a gift. What freedom that brings.
.-= Robin´s last blog ..~Autumn comes to Ellie’s House~ =-.
Man, what a timely and direct word that is to me. If you could have been around the firepit last night while the 4 of us struggled thru some very painful situations.
Hurt people…hurt people
Excellent post. I live here a lot. Right now I’m trying to combat this by consciously reminding myself that I am a servant.
.-= Pearl´s last blog ..What is God Preparing? =-.
I think that part of the reason we are grateful for anything is because we know what lack and want are. Adam and Eve didn’t, up to that very second of first sin. We’re grateful for the reprieve.
Something interesting I just learned was that Adam was a lousy communicator. I’ll wait, go ahead and laugh.
But it’s true, God told Adam not to eat of the Tree before Eve had even been created. Did he share that bit of wisdom? Or have men always talked less and woman always pushed lines more? Hard to say…
Blessings,
Carolynn
.-= Carolynn @ Willow Tree´s last blog ..All Over the World =-.
@Robin, I’m glad you mentioned that book. Someone mentioned that book to me years ago and I really need to get it. I’ve heard wonderful things about it.
.-= Pete Wilson´s last blog ..A Failure To Be Receptive And Grateful =-.
Great post Pete. I think most (if not all) of our sin can be traced back to this. I tend to think of it a bit backwards though. I think our pride can be the cause of our failure to be receptive & grateful. Our pride causes us to feel like we are owed, like we have “rights.” I think the serpent played on Adam’s & Eve’s pride when we told them that God knew the fruit would make them just like God. He fed their pride leading them to think, why shouldn’t I be just like God?
Keep up the excellent kingdom work! I look forward to learning more from you.
Can I take this to more of a surface level for a sec? I didn’t read all the comments so if someone said this, then sorry!
I work in customer service…at Starbucks…it is my job to be friendly and go the extra mile to make everyone’s experience special…I LOVE to do it! But there are people who don’t even acknowledge my presence when I look them in the eye and tell them have a nice day…I smile and go about my day, but we as people need to be receptive and grateful even in those small moments when we could definitely make an impression on someone else…to be rude could have a lasting effect on those who aren’t in Christ…
.-= Amber L´s last blog ..Psalm 33 =-.
Good, good, good stuff!!!
.-= Laretha´s last blog ..Warrior Princess =-.
I havent looked at it this way, but it certainly is true.
.-= Corve DaCosta´s last blog ..How September 11 changed the world? =-.
Pete! I think this is my favorite blog post so far. (except for the India ones…of course)
.-= Melissa Mashni´s last blog ..As of late =-.