It should go without saying that the Christian shouldn't have pity parties. Pity parties are laments that were familiar through out the Psalm's as proclaimed by David. So if you are having pity parties, you are in good company. Not exactly something God wants but they are there none the less. He's used to his children complaining about this and that. We can bet that there is a central reason why Christians have pity parties. Selfishness. I want this, don't want that, it isn't fair and a myriad of other excuses for our selfishness. James tells us that we ask and don't have because we ask for the wrong (selfish) reasons. Pity parties have existed for eons and will no doubt continue till the Lord comes back. Some people will even complain about that! I'm not saying we shouldn't bring our complaints to God. Complaints are sometimes another word for our valid concerns and desires that are God based. We need to be attentive to the difference of wanting something God wants and wanting something that we want. So, if you're asking God to give you the riches you deserve, you miss the point. If you are befuddled why the televangelists are rich and you are not, you miss the point. I begrudge no one for wanting success. I've had my share of pity parties and yet, here I am asking you to understand that pity parties aren't Christian at all.
When we have asked God to take over our dead lives and live through us, he promises that he will take care of our EVERY need. Not some, no part of, and certainly he is able to pour his blessings from heaven so much that we won't be able to contain them. Here is the first of many pitfalls we come into. We tend to look at needs as defined by us rather than by God. No, I don't need a specific brand of peanut butter or substitute. Yes, I do need food. No, I don't need a fancy vehicle when a 78 Chevy pickup will do just fine. No, I don't need a job that pays $100k a year when making ends meet is accomplished by God. It's a matter of perspective. We can engage our wants or abandon them and let God care for our needs. God can do the miraculous whenever and however he wants. Our part is to accept what we are given by God and not complain. If you have to much of something and want more, it's wrong. If you have to much of something and don't share with those who don't have what they need, it's wrong. If it's wrong, it's a sin. If you are sinning then you shouldn't expect any help from God who sees, hears and knows everything. So, in the midst of your pity party ask yourself whether or not you are really surrendering EVERY area of your life for His use.
Here is a challenge. Try to out give God. Not just once or in one area of your life. Try to out give God with every area of your life. See what happens! I'm sure that you will be surprised for to do so means to not be concerned about yourself. After all, that's what God did when he sent his Son to live, die and resurrect so that you can have salvation. God sacrificed it all. He poured himself out so that we can have life and life eternal with him. This isn't something usually preached from the pulpit. It's not something the televangelists preach. Nor is it something Christians parents, for the most part teach their children. But here I am telling you a simple truth from the Gospel. When you are born again you have at your disposal everything the Father offers. He offers to take care of your EVERY need. He's chosen you to be blessed and to bless others. Remember, it's always your choice. Choose wisely.
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