Take Nothing for Granted

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13It’s easy to take things for granted. Whether a mere oversight or an overconfident belief that the person or thing will always be there, the bottom line is; when you take things for granted you are lacking appreciation. Those of us who reside in America take basic necessities like food, water, clothing, electricity, media, literacy and more for granted often without considering there are people all over the world who lack most of these conveniences. Not only do we take things for granted but we can also take God for granted.When everything is going well God can be relegated to an afterthought not realizing He is essential to our very existence. Valuing Him too lightly is risky especially when times of need come (and they will), you’d like to believe He will be there for you and that He will hear you. A number of years ago we experienced 9/11. Time stood still as businesses held shop in conference rooms and break rooms watching as the horrors unfolded leaving many bewildered, broken, and feeling helpless. Although prayers weren’t the normal practice in the workplace on that particular day prayers were being uttered and solicited in an effort to gain a level of peace in a very unsettling time.Never neglect the need to have God in your life not just in bad times but when everything is going well. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble but He is also a friend and friends spend time together. God loves us, sacrificed His life for us, and promises to be with us always even until the end of time (Matthew 28:20b). Take nothing for granted.