Gambling Success

People work harder, longer , and more efficiently in this quarter of the year alone compared to the entire rest of the year. Bold statement, but surprisingly I find to be true. Personally, I believe that the secular (western) mindset of the Holiday season truly drives up this unfulfilled desire for more. More money, more numbing, wanting the newest, best, and greatest materialistic things out on the market, the biggest bonuses, the biggest bragging rights, more, more, more.

It is known fact, that businesses attempt to monetize the most during fourth quarter sales. Alcohol consumption nearly doubles during the holiday season. Church attendance skyrockets for the Christmas Eve service, even more so than Easter. It is also studied, that the most risky behaviors occur towards the end of the year. This leads to statistics of the highest rates of infidelity, divorce, depression, injury, suicide etc... Is there a correlation? or just a coincidence?

According to a survey, most individuals would label the Holiday season as a time of elevated or high stress, which then causes the brain to focus and "get things done". However, after an elongated elevation of excess, abnormally high stress, the prefrontal cortex begins to act in rash, unmethodical, irrational ways. This can explain the phenomenon of the increased level of risky behavior but it doesn't fully explain why we even let this season cause such high stress in the first place.

I find it interesting, the devil is able to cause the most disorder, grief, destruction, and disaster during the season that is supposed to share gratitude, love, joy, and new beginnings. The season is literally a reflection of the blessings God has provided (Thanksgiving), honoring the biggest blessing we will ever receive (Christmas), and using that blessing to improve our oncoming year (New Years). How is it that we have come so opposite of what the true meaning of the fourth quarter means?

God blesses those who bless others. Gamble in helping others not what leads you to the highest momentary "success". Do not get caught in the lie that you have to get, do, or have better, you are abundantly blessed! Do not gamble away something that God has already given you for something that outwardly looks 'better'. I guarantee you, anything man-made will never measure up to the perfect quality of God.

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. I urge you to remember the meaning of the fourth quarter. To not get involved with the secular pressures of "improvement". Rather sit back, enjoy, and embrace the beautiful memories that can be created. Hold on to the core, stay steadfast in your faith, and charge on through the hustle and bustle of this season!