Good Things to Enjoy

     One of the great truths of Scripture that we tend to reject--even feel guilty about--is the idea that God "has given us all things to enjoy."  Perhaps we think that if we enjoy the things God has given us that we're guilty of the "eat, drink, and be merry" syndrome of the rich fool in Christ's parable.  But it is not so.  That man did it all for himself with no thought of God, no heart of gratitude and thanksgiving toward the gifts God had given him.  For all that we have are gifts from God.  Life is vanity for the one who fails to see the graciousness of God in all that he has, both in material goods and human talents.  The miserable man and the joyous man can be involved in the very same activities.  The difference is that the joyous man recognizes the hand of God in his life.
     One of the best illustrations of that truth is found in the film "Chariots of Fire."  A young man called to the mission field has delayed his going in order to run in the Olympics.  His sister confronts him with what she perceives to be disobedience and worldliness.  His reply says it all:  when I run, I feel joy.  God's joy.  That young man was just as much in God's will using his gift to run as he would have been on the mission field simply because he realized his ability was from God and so he could take great joy in using it for His glory.  To not use it would have been to abuse the gift that God had given him.  Has God given you abilities and talents and even things that bring you enjoyment?  Thank Him and use them with joy.  Don't abuse those gifts from a loving Father.