As we approach Christmas it’s easy to get caught up in all the commercialism. We all know that’s not what Christmas is really about, but it doesn’t take much to lose sight of that as we plan what gifts to buy and our family members ask us what we’d like to receive.
Now could be the perfect time to share a message with your students about the importance of being content in all things. Paul said in Philippians 4, “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.” Paul says this as someone who has been persecuted for the Gospel and come within an inch of death multiple times.
As Americans we have a lot to be thankful for and often we take it for granted. According to many websites Christianity is still illegal in 51 countries. As we see persecution happening across the world we can rest assured that we live in a country with religious freedom.
I think it’s important that we teach students the value of being content in what God has given us as well. Too often we look to compare ourselves to others or seek to define ourselves by the way we dress and the things we own. It’s especially easy to get caught up in the “rat race” after students graduate from college. Talking to them about the importance of contentedness before they get to graduation will encourage them to focus on what’s most important – seeing the Kingdom advanced.
What other topics do you like to preach on at this time of year?