Have you ever noticed that, as a human race, we often believe that the times we're living through are the worst ever, surpassing what earlier generations experienced? While contemplating this, I came across an interesting post on social media.

# DeepThought for the day

“For perspective, imagine you were born in 1900. On your 14th birthday, World War I started and ended when you were 18. Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, and the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy. When you turn 39, World War II starts. You aren’t even over the hill yet. And don’t try to catch your breath. On your 41st birthday, the United States is pulled into World War II until you are 45. At 50, the Korean War starts. At 55, the Vietnam War begins. When you are 62, the Cuban Missile Crisis threatens to end life on our planet as we know it. When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends.

The perspective is amazing. Yes, we are in a challenging time nowadays. Try to remember everything that those born in 1900 endured and accomplished, and have faith that we will endure as well. Let’s be smart and help each other out - we will get through all of this. ~ Copied from another post ~

After reading this post, I thought about my own family of origin. My maternal grandfather was born in 1900. He died in 1964 when I was a young child, and because he lived in New Brunswick, I did not hear many stories of what he and my grandmother had endured. On the few occasions I saw him, he did not share his story, as he was a quiet man. My grandmother came to live with us after he passed, and although I was extremely close to her, I do not recall her complaining of hardships from the past. I think they and those of their generation were very private and not prone to whining. Memories of visits to New Brunswick to see my grandparents invoke feelings of warmth and comfort. Their home and the homes of my other relatives were simple, with clapboard siding, well-worn furniture and eclectic décor. Nothing was fashionable, nor was anything picture-perfect, and it did not matter … at all. Their generation had a strong work ethic and lived a simple life consisting of home, church, and family.

So why is it that we who live in relative comfort choose to complain or continue to try to fit in by “keeping up with the Joneses”? Would we be content to live as our grandparents or perhaps even our own parents lived?

What does our Lord offer to teach us from the past, and more importantly, from His Word?

Notice that I use the word offer. An offering is described as a sacrifice given as a form of worship. When we are asked to sacrifice our convenience and freedoms to protect the vulnerable, how do we react? If asked to help our neighbours, the elderly, or the shut-ins, what is our response? If we are invited to give sacrificially from our finances to feed the homeless and those who cannot make ends meet due to job loss or circumstances beyond their control, what is our response? Do we judge and complain, or are we cheerful givers? Jesus offers us opportunities to love through giving. We can offer our love to God and others by counting our blessings.

A sacrifice of selflessness is putting others first. It is the first and most important commandment as Jesus outlined in His Word. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’” (Luke 10:27). Jesus knows all about offerings, and He knows about sacrifice. He was the sacrificial offering, for you, for me and the world. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

What can we offer to you, Lord? Your grace has brought us through, and we continue to receive grace upon grace each moment as needed. We, in turn, can offer grace to others. There is no need to hoard, no need to panic over crashed markets, no need to worry about tomorrow. You created us, and You knew us while we were being formed in our mother’s womb. You have known and planned each day we are gifted. Our times are in Your hands. You have clothed the flowers of the field and taken care of the birds of the air, and You will meet our needs. Maybe not our wants, but certainly our needs. May we be willing to sacrifice. Like the Apostle Paul, may we willingly say, “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13).

Let’s take the time to reach out to God and one another. We can ask, “Lord, what are You offering to teach me?” Then, in simple obedience, bring the offering before Him. Like the old hymn says, *“All to Jesus, I surrender, all to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence, daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee my blessed Saviour, I surrender all.”

These words are more important now than ever. Time is fleeting, so let’s shift our focus. Ask God what He would have us do to be the salt and light that He created us to be.

Jesus, we willingly surrender, and in worship, we give you our simple offering. Take it and use it for Thy good pleasure.

• Perspective Illustrations
• Attitude Devotionals
• Endurance Devotionals
• Encouragement Devotionals