For most of us, month of November is a season of Thanksgiving. We thank God for His provision and His protection in the past. We also thank God for giving us friends, family and children. It is especially joyous and meaningful when we give thanks together through family gathering. Last Thursday, we had our kids back from college and many friends and families came to join our Thanksgiving night gathering. It is really great to see and to talk with everyone during the gathering. How can we not giving thanks?

 
On the other hand, the day after Thanksgiving, which is commonly known as Black Friday, is also marked the beginning of Christmas shopping for many of us. Last Friday afternoon, we decided to go with the flow by going to a local mall searching for good bargains. While we were strolling around the mall, I discovered that this year seems to be quieter than last year. Thinking it a little bit, a possible reason could due to we missed the traditional door-buster time or due to the fact that many stores had already started their Black Friday shopping time earlier – from Thanksgiving night. Interesting thing is: according to a recent consumer survey, many stores didn’t see their sales increase in this year, even with longer duration of shopping time was offered. So, go figure!

 
While we were walking around, we saw many stores posted “On Sale” signs on their windows. Its intent, presumably, is to draw more potential buyers to their stores. I did observe that those stores with higher % of discounts do attract more visits from deal hunters. Apparently, good bargains are always welcome. In fact, I don’t think there is anything wrong in looking for good bargains. However, from my past experience, we are more likely to buy things that are “non-essential” and / or buy things “with lower quality”, if we are compelled to buy them based on cheaper price solely. Therefore, caution should be taken when searching for “on sale” purchases. How about looking for “Not for sale” item? Should we still get it?

 
In the book of 1 Kings, chapter 21, it details a story that Ahab, the king of Samaria (Israel), coveted a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab and Ahab was very eager to get it. If we think a little bit, we would find that for Ahab, it is really not necessary to add one more vineyard on top of many that he has already owned. However, His obsession of the vineyard eventually drove him to kill Naboth, through using his queen Jezebel’s scheme, in order to take over the vineyard. It is quite disturbing!

 
In this incident, Naboth repeatedly told Ahab that his vineyard is “Not for Sale” because Naboth believes that his land is belong to God since it was allocated to his ancestors by God. For this reason, the vineyard is not supposed to sell or transfer to others (Numbers 26:52-56). For doing so would dishonor God. Ahab, on the other hand, couldn’t give up his burning desire. So, what can we learn from this incident? Firstly, Naboth knows honoring God is more important than personal gains. The question to us is: Can we do the same? Secondly, Ahab’ coveting of Naboth’s possession blinds his conscience and cause Naboth’s life. This is a mistake that we should by all means avoid it.

 
My dear brothers and sisters, as we are entering the month of December, we should examine our minds constantly – Are we honoring our God? Do we shop for good bargains that are only necessary and good for others? May our Lord remember you and keep you as always!
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Disclaimer: The sharing is pure from my personal view; therefore, please don’t take it to be absolute. Thanks.