Thankful for Jesus

As an old "Jesus freak" I am often struck by how quickly we can become distracted by our religious, ecclesiastical, and theological issues. We worry and fuss about so many things. We argue incessantly about abstract issues. (I don't ever want to hear another debate about hell.) We have questions about who's "in" and who's "out." Some wonder whether or not it's possible to be a "Christian" and still be a Democrat (or a member of the Tea/Coffee/Cocktail Party). We work hard to maintain the walls we've built around ourselves and our faith communities.

But in the end, only one thing matter - Jesus! When reviewing all the religious issues of his day Paul wrote, "I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ" (Philippians 3:8). When all is said and done, whatever does not reveal Jesus, whatever does not bring honor and advance the cause of Jesus, whatever does not lead us and others closer to Jesus, will fall into dust.

That's why we can always be thankful. No matter what our circumstances, Jesus remains the same. It is "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Even when a "super-committee" proves to be super dysfunctional (along with the whole government), Jesus is the same. Even when our favorite team loses, Jesus is the same. Even when we are unemployed and can't pay our bills (or our store burns down), Jesus is the same. Even when we lose a loved one in very tragic circumstances, Jesus is the same.

And so, I don't believe it's trite for me to wish you all (y'all) a very happy Thanksgiving. Let's celebrate Jesus!