Tuesday, January 15, 2013

First World Problems

The dishwasher only cleaned half of the dishes again was the text I sent my hubby this morning. These and many other things are what we call in our house, first world problems. 
I mean really? Who complains about that kind of thing? We complain we are stuck in traffic, that we are driving a car that's over 5 years old, that our boss was mean to us, that we weren't invited somewhere, what we didn't get that we thought we deserved and the list goes on and on. 
We need to WAKE UP! 
There are men, women and children on the other side of the world who are starving, half naked, sick with no hope for recovery, some are being bought and sold for sex everyday and we get mad because the girl in the drive thru at McDonalds was rude to us! And its not just the other side of the world. They are in your back yard. In your church, in my church. Single people, people with families who have real genuine needs. Basic needs. Needs you and I could meet.  And I'm not just talking about stuff. I am talking about time, love, encouragement etc. 
I challenge you to take time today to pray about how you could help someone else. How can you be a blessing to someone who is without? 
And most of all I challenge you as I do myself to stop all the complaining. We are blessed, more blessed than we realize. So, think before you speak, think before you complain and grumble about your first world problems. Ask God to help you in this area and when you're tempted to complain GIVE THANKS instead. 

Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. 
Hebrews 13:16

Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. 
Philippians 2:4

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need yet closes his heart against him how does  God's love abide in him.
1 John 3:17

Do EVERYTHING without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation" then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. 
Philippians 2:14-15

4 comments:

Tracy said...

Amen!! Great reminders!! Love you and praying!

Brittany Gilbarte said...

Yes! Thanks for the great reminder. I think we all need it, because it is so easy just to forget how much we have. We really need to get together soon... we miss you guys!

ishybeanie said...

Thanks Rachel, I pride myself on not reacting to silly frustrations, but it is always nice to have a reminder

Cheri said...

I thought about doing a post on this very thing. How did our nation get to this point? It is sad.