Hierarchy, ranks, popularity, fame, outcast, loser, winner, poor, wealthy….. Our world is filled with status and labels. It is too easy to get caught in a winner or loser mentality. Everyday this world fights for status and position. We fight for higher and richer. We fight for smarter or stronger. We fill our days with endless works that can contribute to our success. Though at the end of life, do we ponder about our successes? Do we ponder about how much money we have or how high we have stepped up the “ladder”? We might think back of those things that lead us to success, but success is never given without God. God is the provider of all things provided. God is the giver of all gifts. So then which is greater ….”the gift” or the “GIVER?” Cherishing our gifts is almost like thanking our food for being delicious …instead of thanking the chef who cooked the meal. We must be careful not to cherish our gifts or dwell on the “ladder” of our success or failures. God is our provider. If any praise should be given….it should be given to the “GIVER” …..at the top of the ladder..our Lord.

“But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:17-18‬)

Lord thank you for all our gifts. Amen.