Now that the holidays are over and the image of Santa Claus, with his jolly demeanor and red suit, fades. Have you ever stopped and wondered how this beloved Christmas icon came to be? The story of Santa Claus begins not in the North Pole, but in 4th-century Myra, modern-day Turkey, with a bishop named St. Nicholas. During our Christmas program, an incident prompted me to reflect on a common dilemma Christian families face: discussing Santa Claus with their children. The incident involved a young child, aware that Santa isn’t real, informing peers about the true source of their gifts. While I did not intervene during the event due history that give me hesitation when correcting this kid. So due to the reaction of the other kids involved I did not see a reason to step in. So I took the opportunity to review and search the bible for what should be done. While there is not singular answer this is the view point that I came up with that I believe is biblical sound. From a Biblical viewpoint, navigating the Santa conversation involves balancing truth with innocence. Proverbs 12:22 emphasizes honesty, while Matthew 18:3 highlights the value of childlike faith. Can we reconcile these teachings with the story of Santa? Perhaps Santa can serve as a metaphor for the spirit of giving, consistent with Christian values.

The incident of a child revealing the truth about Santa can serve as an instructive moment. It presents an opportunity to balance innocence with truth, cultivate empathy, guide through disappointment with faith, and respect differing beliefs, all within a Biblical framework. We need to highlight an important responsibility for parents: while teaching children the reality about Santa, it’s equally crucial to instill in them respect and honor for others’ beliefs in Santa. In this way, we nurture a community that values understanding and acceptance of diverse traditions and perspectives. The Bible’s teachings on respect, as in Romans 12:18, can be applied in teaching children to respect various beliefs and traditions around Santa Claus and Christmas.

St. Nicholas, a bishop known for his profound generosity and kindness, particularly towards children, laid the foundation for the Santa Claus we know today. His reputation for gift-giving and secret acts of benevolence became legendary. One of the most famous stories tells of him providing dowries for three impoverished sisters, saving them from a life of despair, St. Nicholas’ death on December 6th, 343 AD, marked the beginning of a tradition. December 6th came to be celebrated as St. Nicholas Day, a day of giving and kindness. This tradition of gift-giving on St. Nicholas Day was the first step in the transformation of the saint into a figure synonymous with Christmas generosity. As the legend of St. Nicholas spread throughout Europe, it took on various cultural flavors. In many European cultures, this day became a time for giving gifts to children, in remembrance of St. Nicholas’ deeds. Over the centuries, St. Nicholas’ persona merged with local folklore. In England, he transformed into Father Christmas, a figure who embodied the spirit of good cheer at Christmas.

• Sinterklaas and the Dutch Influence
  • Perhaps the most significant transformation occurred with the Dutch. Their version of St. Nicholas, known as “Sinterklaas,” was a kindly figure who rewarded well-behaved children. When Dutch settlers came to America, they brought Sinterklaas with them. The American melting pot did its work, and Sinterklaas gradually transformed into “Santa Claus.”
• The Modern Santa Claus
  • This Americanized Santa Claus became the figure we are familiar with today a cheerful man who travels the world in a sleigh led by reindeer, delivering gifts to children on Christmas Eve. This image was further popularized through poems like “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and advertisements in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The journey of St. Nicholas from a 4th-century bishop to the modern Santa Claus is a fascinating tale of cultural adaptation and transformation. It reminds us that at the heart of the Santa Claus legend is a spirit of generosity and kindness, values that transcend time and culture, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.

As we delves into the fascinating cultural interpretations of Santa Claus around the world. By showcasing these diverse traditions, I aim to emphasize the global reach and the adaptability of this iconic figure, while highlighting universal themes of generosity and kindness.
The character of Santa Claus, synonymous with Christmas, is celebrated in a myriad of ways across different cultures, each adding their unique traditions and stories to this beloved figure.

• Father Christmas in England:
  • Known as Father Christmas, this figure is steeped in English tradition. He represents the spirit of good cheer during Christmas and is often depicted in either red or green robes, embodying the joy of the holiday season.
• Père Noël in France:
  • In France, children await the arrival of Père Noël, who brings gifts on Christmas Eve. Accompanied by Père Fouettard, Père Noël maintains the traditional narrative of rewarding good behavior, deeply rooted in French cultural heritage.
• Ded Moroz in Russia:
  • Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost, is a key figure in Russian celebrations, delivering presents on New Year’s Eve. Accompanied by Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden, Ded Moroz symbolizes the onset of winter and the joys of the New Year.
• Santa Claus in Israel:
  • In Israel, where Christmas is a smaller affair compared to other countries, Santa Claus or ‘Baba Noel’ is known primarily in the Christian communities. His role is similar to the Western Santa Claus, bringing joy and gifts, and is a testament to the multicultural facets of Israeli society.
• Sheng Dan Lao Ren in China:
  • In China, Santa is known as ‘Sheng Dan Lao Ren’ (圣诞老人), which translates to ‘Christmas Old Man.’ Christmas is more of a novelty in China, with Santa Claus often seen as a symbol of Western culture. He is sometimes depicted playing traditional Chinese instruments, which showcases a unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions.
• Santa Claus in Australia:
  • In Australia, Santa Claus is often depicted in more summery attire, suitable for the Southern Hemisphere’s summer season during Christmas. Instead of a sleigh, he might be seen riding a surfboard or a ‘ute’ (a utility vehicle), and instead of reindeer, kangaroos, known as ‘Six White Boomers,’ are often part of the lore.

Across these diverse cultures, the essence of Santa Claus – as a symbol of joy, kindness, and the spirit of giving – remains constant. These universal themes resonate globally, transcending geographical and cultural barriers. The varying interpretations of Santa Claus provide a rich tapestry of global traditions. They present an excellent opportunity for parents to teach children about cultural diversity, respect for different traditions, and the universal values that the season of giving embodies. Santa Claus, in his various global personas, represents the beautiful diversity of cultural celebrations. Understanding these different interpretations enriches our appreciation of global traditions and reinforces the shared values of generosity and joy that define the holiday season. As we celebrate, let’s embrace these diverse traditions, fostering a spirit of unity and understanding in the spirit of the festive season.

The Santa Claus tradition, a staple of Christmas celebrations, often poses a unique challenge for Christian families: How to reconcile the whimsical tales of Santa with their faith’s emphasis on truth and generosity? Attempting to balance the innocence and imagination of children with biblical teachings, particularly focusing on honesty, generosity, and respect for diverse beliefs.

Proverbs 12:22 emphasizes the value of truth: “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

Matthew 18:3 underscores the importance of childlike faith: “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you change and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The challenge lies in nurturing children’s imagination and sense of wonder (akin to childlike faith) while upholding the value of honesty. Parents can frame the Santa story as a fun and imaginative tradition, focusing on its symbolic meaning rather than presenting it as literal truth.

2 Corinthians 9:7 speaks to the heart of giving: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The spirit of Santa Claus aligns with Christian teachings of generosity and kindness. Parents can use the story of Santa to teach children about the joy of giving, emphasizing that giving should come from the heart and be a source of joy, mirroring the teachings of 2 Corinthians.

Romans 12:18 advises believers to live harmoniously: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

Teach children to respect different beliefs and traditions around Santa Claus, reflecting the diverse ways in which Christmas is celebrated. Encourage understanding and respect for those who may hold different views about Santa, whether within the Christian community or beyond. We should align our teach to Santa with the bible. This requires use to teach our children respect and understanding. We a parent choices to tech anything they may be against mass teaching. Regardless of the truth we should alig with the bible and also teach. Them that the lesson they have earn may be in conflict with others and that they should respect others believes and respect the teaching of parents and how they choice to teach about Santa Clause. Or any subject for that matter.

Navigating the Santa Claus tradition in Christian families can be a delicate but rewarding journey. By balancing the joy and imagination of the Santa story with the core values of Christianity, parents can enrich their children’s understanding of Christmas. This approach not only respects the innocence of childhood but also deepens their appreciation of generosity, kindness, and respect for diversity, in line with biblical teachings. As families celebrate this festive season, the story of Santa Claus can be a meaningful tool to impart lasting values, grounded in faith and love.

A suggestion is to begin by introducing Santa Claus as a fun, fictional character who brings joy and gifts, much like the joy the wise men experienced giving gifts to Jesus (Matthew 2:10-11). As children grow, explain that Santa symbolizes the spirit of giving and generosity, much like the biblical teachings of kindness and charity.
Teach children that Santa represents the joy of giving, aligning with the scripture, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” _{Acts 20:35</sub. This helps them understand that the excitement surrounding Santa is rooted in the happiness that comes from generosity, a core Christian value.
Emphasize the birth of Jesus as the central narrative of Christmas, as described in Luke 2:11, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Use the Santa story to complement this message, teaching that the joy of Christmas comes from celebrating Jesus’ birth and sharing His love. Encourage acts of kindness and giving during the holiday season, reflecting on Jesus’ teachings about love and generosity. This helps children connect the excitement of Christmas with living out their faith in practical ways. When children question or discover the truth about Santa, refer to Ephesians 4:15, which advocates for speaking the truth in love. Gently explain that Santa is a wonderful story to help celebrate the spirit of giving at Christmas. Use this discovery as a teaching moment to discuss the symbolic nature of stories. Emphasize that, like parables in the Bible, stories can carry important messages and values, teaching us about love, joy, and generosity.}

Align the Santa tradition with Christian values by encouraging children to give and share, reflecting the biblical principle of generosity found in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” This could involve participating in charity events or helping those in need during the holiday season. Establish family traditions that combine the fun aspects of Santa with Christian teachings. This might include reading the nativity story alongside Santa tales, or volunteering together, highlighting the essence of giving, community, and the true spirit of Christmas as taught in the Scriptures. By weaving these biblical principles and references into the Santa Claus tradition, Christian families can maintain a joyful and meaningful celebration that stays true to their faith while embracing the wider cultural aspects of the holiday season.

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“⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”
_{1 Corinthians 13:4-7}

This verse alone covers it all. When parents dismiss non parent they are boasting, acting proud, and dishonoring the “Non Parent”. That does not being to cover all the other things that could be preventing someone from not having children of their own. These parents are complete being self centered by assuming that someone can not love, or understand parent hood with out giving birth or having a biological child of there own. They dismiss the parents that adopt and people who love being with children and helping them in way that their parents can’t, wont or don’t understand how. See as quick as parents will toss out that hatefully phrase. I believe that we “non parents” can toss one back. “You don’t understand you’re a Parent!” This is where us that are not parents have an advantage over parent.

Parents are too close to their kids. They can not see the underlying problems. They have blinders on to how their kids act. Every parent I know has said something similar to “My kids are good”, “They would not do that”, “Just because they where around those kids does not mean my kids did it”. But let me be brutally honest. Yes, Your kids are capable of doing what ever it is that you think they would never do. Stop and think about your Childhood and the things you did. Did you parents always know what you was doing? Did you live a completely sinless and perfect childhood? If you say yes, Then you need to do some serious souls searching and start living in reality. The bible answer this for us.

As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;”
_{Romans 3:10}

When parents that make The comment they are telling people that they do not have empathy or compassion. You are telling us that we don’t understand what its like to suction a stuffy nose out and clean all the snot and boogers to make the child a little more comfortable. You are telling us that we can not understand the sleepless nights when your checking on a baby every few hours to ensure nothing is goes wrong. You are telling us that we understand that turning your back for one minute can results in a crayon colored wall, plate of food tossed across the room. You telling us they we can not understand the fear of a child filling its last dipper while in the middle of the mall, grocery store or driving home from the DR office. You are telling us we don’t or can’t understand what its like to love like Jesus. Better yet you are telling us we cant love like Jesus because the child is not our biological child.

³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
_{John 13:34-35}

So for those parents that keep saying it I ask that you stop and ask yourself are you acting as God wants you to act. Are you being a good Christian and truly following the Christian belief’s? Or are you just acting like a Christian on Wednesday and Sundays.

Now my new response will be. NO! You don’t understand you’re a Parent!

Today parents are trying too hard to protect kids, For some reason parents want to be friends and not parents. So what is friendship? Friendship is a group of people who have similar notions and ideas about life. This is most defiantly not you and your child. If we are honest with each other kids and adults have different ideas on just about everything. They most defiantly should have different priorities, and because of that parent/child friendship is a ticking time bomb.

Because you are a parent you cant understand. You are most likely overcompensating for problem you had as a child. You mostly likely made the comment my kids will not have to deal with that. What ever that was. It could have been overly strict or too lenient parents, being wild and out-of-control or running with friends that were no so innocent. Regardless of what your childhood was you are most assuredly overcompensating in someway with your child. Most likely you don’t even realize it. There is nothing wrong with wanting to protect your child from making the same mistakes we did. The bible tells us to protect our children.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
_{Proverbs 22:6}
“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.”
_{Proverbs 22:15}

As parents you have to be the disciplinary. Not going to even try and get into the how to discipline a child. That is another thing altogether. But as parents you have to leave out the emotion of your past and focus on the emotions of your child. We have literally had a teenagers tell us that there parents do not tell them anything about the childhood mistake and the consequences that they had to deal with for making them. ( and the child followed 100% in the parents foot steps and taking the hard road) If parents would spend more time talking and explaining to the child the hardship and heartache that a decision they made caused them. The child most likely will not make that same mistake, But if all you do is forbid them or demand that they don’t. They most likely will. Why would they not. They know you did it. They see that you survived. They see that you become an good adult right? So without them knowing the full truth and the fully consequences they will assume that it was not that bad. So remember that you can’t fix your childhood through your child’s. But being honest with them and fully transparent you can make sure you protect them and guide them in a better direction.

One thing that parents need to understand is to allow kids to be kids. The goal of childhood should be what psychology calls individuation. Individuation is the process by which individuals in society become differentiated from one another. During this time your child may not want to share their life or experience with you. Especially if you are one of the parents that is a friend and over compensating.
So I tell you because you are a parent you can not or more honest will not understand your child. This is where I ask that instead of pushing us “non parents” away you should bring us closer. We have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap that you can not do alone. We can build trust with your kids that you can not. You kids will trust us with information that they will never trust you with. As long as we do not lose or break that trust we gain with the kids we can bridge gaps and help build parents relationships stronger.

But for this to work you are a parent have to stop trying to be a friend. You can be friendly but not by losing the stance of a disciplinary parent. Being a responsible parent means not letting kids make excuses for failure, be a disruptive person in the classroom, Skipping homework, being the rude loud/smart mouth know it all. Kids need a Parents not friends.
So as quick as you might be willing to tell us non parents we don’t understand. You might be right. But I can assure you defiantly don’t understand.
There is an old saying that it take village to raise a child. The biblical verse that supports that is.

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! ¹¹ Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? ¹² And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
_{Ecclesiastes :9-12}

So if you have a “non parent” involved with you kids. Don’t be quick to judge them. Don’t be offended when they bring you the truth. Try not to deflect and fall into the trap “not my kid”, “that other kid was the problem”, or the dreaded. “Your not a parent you can not understand”.
Instead treat the adult bring you the information as an equal, give them the benefit of being able to see the picture from outside the frame. Give their information the same as you would the other parent or as if you seen it our heard it your self. Take advantage of these people and you will bring up child that will have more respect for you and others and most importantly our lord and savior

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,”
_{Matthew 18:5}

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⁶ So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.
⁷ For we walk by faith, not by sight.
⁸ We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
⁹ Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Recently had a situation that made me stop and ask my self was I trying to hard. Why do we try too hard? Is it to have a sense of belonging, to gain attention, to compete with others, we all have different reasons. In almost every case they are not good reasons.
So what are some of the primary reasons we try to hard. In todays world with the constant visibility that social media gives. TV shows and movies give a façade of what our lives should look like. We all have fallen into one or more of these traps.

We are too agreeable

• Life would be very dull if we all agreed with each other all the time.
• Just remember that it’s okay to have boundaries and disagree with others!

Post on social Media constantly to get external validation

• The need for constant praise and external validation comes from Low self-esteem
• Social media has become a showcase for people that try too hard and need external validation
• Nothing wrong with Keeping up with friends and sharing pictures its becomes unhealthy when you obsess over it.
• Posting pictures of status every day about how wonderful our life is, How good our relationship is. We don’t take a step back to see that people can effortless see through the facade.
• People who are truly happy are not spending time to craft a perfect picture, story or posting something to prove they are happy. Truly happy people or our living their life, doing things that make them happy and enjoying time with their loved ones.

Everything is a Competition

• One-upmanship gets really old, really quickly.
• It doesn’t matter how good a story you have to tell; the competitor always has a better story.
• It doesn’t matter how good a job you do; the competitor needs to tell you how they have done it better.
• If you have the attention of other people, they need to get that attention for themselves.
• This behavior broadcasts insecurity and tells other people to stay away.
• Its better to simply be quiet about your own accomplishments and encourage others with theirs.

You are jealous or envious of other people

• If you have time to be Jealous or Envious you have time to change your situation
• Envy and Jealousy comes from not being at peace with our self.
• We seems to get too focused on what others people are doing, or have and what we want.
• We can spend time being jealous or envious or even angry. But it will not do anything to make our life any better.
• All we are going to do is waste valuable and limited emotional energy by being jealous

You never ask for help.

• We are stubborn people and get set or complacent in our ways
• Its easier to be stubborn then admit we might be wrong.
• Our stubbornness leads to extended and needless suffering because you need help but refuse to accept any of it.
• We all have heard that the answers to our questions or problems can be found in the Bible. So I turned to the bible as starting looking for an answer to understand how to know if you are trying to hard.
• We know people that have good intention and truly want the best for people. Most people like this are lacking of introspection and conscience. But there are a people that are is too introspective, too self-critical, and too unwilling to give themselves the benefit of the doubt that they would give a total stranger. These people can become spiritually numb. These type of people tend to forget that Jesus gave us a pardon and peace for all our sins. These people that are trying too hard typically live in constant fear and sense of judgement. In my search of the bible it shows us ways and answers to deal with this. Surely the better way is to live. Yes, we are sinful people but people who have been loved, redeemed, and secured to God through the work of Jesus can rest peacefully.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

God ask us to name and confess our sins but with gratitude rather than in fear of rejection.

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”
1 John 1:5-10

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
1 John 2:1-2

So we should not presume grace; but be grateful for it. Do not be cavalier about failure; confess it and move on.
Remember the story Jesus told about the man who tried so hard to be holy and could name the steps of progress he had made — thankful that he wasn’t like the sinful other man in the story? The other person in the story was anything but holy, but he went home at peace with God for confessing his unworthiness! His confessional and prayerful attitude seems to be at the heart of true holiness — the holiness that God himself seeks and honors in us
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9–14

Remember the three beautiful stories about the joy of salvation when sinners are found, returned to where they belong, and turn from their past life of rebellion and are welcomed back into the family of God? They were told to sinful people who were drawing near Jesus to hear him and turn their lives back to God !

These stories are found in Luke 15:1-32

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”

As I was doing this research I found a few telltale signs that might help us understand are we trying to hard and God is trying to tell us to STOP and let him handle it.

What you believe to be well-intentioned efforts keep going wrong.

Life is not a simple math program or computer program that you can always get our desired results. So when things do not go as you plan them or life does not turn out how you dream it would. We should not instantly blame our self. Our intentions are well founded and our attempt a valiant effort. It was just different than what God has intended for us. So he gave us what we needed to change our path. Some times we are just trying too hard to see this and become blind to the signs that God is giving us to simply turn it over to him. Once we start listening to him we can stop trying so hard and allow God to do it for us.

There are times in life where our well-intentioned efforts are actually getting in the way of us receiving what God wants us to receive. A biblical example of this can be seen in the life of Peter. For example, when Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter lashed out and cut off someone’s ear. Jesus then criticized Peter and healed the man’s ear (Luke 22:51, John 18:10-11). Jesus did not question Peter’s intentions; he just knew Peter lacked perspective. Peter was trying so hard to do what he felt God wanted him to do. But he was making mistakes in the process. Peter had to learn that Jesus was the one who was going to advance God’s kingdom. Peter just needed to allow Jesus to do what he was going to do. We might be like Peter if our well-intentioned efforts keep blowing up in your face, this could be a sign God is leading you to do less so you can allow God to do more in your life.

You are trying to fill promises that no human can

God created us and wants us to accomplish his will on earth. He tells us that we will have to work. But the one thing we can be assured of is that God does not want us to accept responsibility for things that only God can accomplish. He gives us an example of this with Abraham and Sarah.

“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis 12:2

God made this promise, but Abraham and Sarah became impatient and then tried to fulfill God’s promise in their own power. Since Sarah was getting old and still had no child, they tried to produce an heir through Sarah’s servant, Hagar, But this was not God’s plan. God’s promises can only be produced through God’s power.

“The Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too hard for the Lord?’”
Genesis 18:13-14

The main take way is that God could be telling us to stop trying so hard and allow him to step in and accomplish his plan. But we are impatient human that want instant gratification. Nothing wrong wanting good things in life. We all want a good marriage, career advancements, overcome sinful ways, healing from trauma, reconciling with someone we hurt. But to be able to accomplish these things. We will need to trust in faith and do our part. Then turn it over to God and allow him to complete it. It is extremely important that we do not try to get ahead of God. We do have to walk though the doors that God opens to receive what he has planned for us. But we have to wait for God to open the doors before we walk though them. Forcing the doors open will only result in delayed results and God using that as an opportunity to teach us a lesson. That most of us will not learn on the first try.

We are fearful of our own inabilities.

God works in seemingly strange and mystical ways. God does not call on us to do things that we can do with our human strength. He wants us to accomplish things that we can only succeed in with his strength presented though us. A great example of this is what God said to Gideon

"And the Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?’ 15 And he said to him, ‘Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.’ 16 And the Lord said to him, ‘But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.’”
Judges 6:14-16

God will always call us to accomplish things that you can never do unless he is right by our side. We will always be fearful if you focus on our own abilities because we will know we are not capable of doing what we feel called to do. To be honest we are not capable. No human is. But with God all things are possible

“ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””
Matthew 19:26

Because we are focusing too much on our self we are leaving in fear, God is calling us to focus on him more so faith can then fill us instead fear

You don’t know what to pray for anymore.

We do not always know what to do nor what we should not do. We differently do not know what will happen next. There are times that we pray so much that we don’t know what or why we should pray any more. But God tell us to live by faith,

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”
Hebrews 11:1

You may not even know what to pray, but if you know the Holy Spirit is there to intercede for you, you know enough. Trust him always, for even when you are at a loss for words, God is always there to take it. We just having to be willing to give it to him and trust that he will do the right things. Once we give it over to God we should leave it and not revisit it. We have to LET IT GO. Try and remember the song.

Let it go, let it go
Can’t hold it back anymore
Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door
I don’t care what they’re going to say

These lyrics are true and follows Gods word. Once you have done your part. Let it go. When you slam the door. Let it go and don’t worry about what anyone say’s or does.

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.”
Romans 8:26

So to answer the question do we try to hard?. YES we do, Some people try so hard that it is holding them back from reaching the goals they set out to achieve. Some people try so hard and get so caught up in doing what they believe is right that to miss what God wants us to do. We all over look the signs that God put in front of us because we get so caught up doing it our way.

“Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people. You know that you will receive an inheritance as a reward. You serve the Lord Christ.” > Colossians 3:23-24

”Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3

So keep trying. Just don’t try "too hard" it could be your downfall. Make sure we are not trying so hard we can not see the signs the God is giving us to give our problems, our goals, our plans to Him.

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Psalms 55:22

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:24-34

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• Who wrote it? The Gospel is attributed to Matthew.
• Who was it written to? Jewish audience and, by extension, all readers of the Gospel.
• What was it written about? The role and influence of believers in the world.
• Why was it written? To motivate followers of Christ to be positive influences in society.
• When was it written? Between 80-90 AD
• Where was it written? Likely in Antioch, Syria.
• How does this relate to modern society? Encourages individuals to stand up for their beliefs and values, emphasizing the impact one person or community can have.
• How does this relate to you ?

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• Who wrote it? Paul
• Who was it written to? The Christians in Rome
• What was it written about? God’s providence and purpose for believers.
• Why was it written? To assure believers of God’s ultimate good plans for them.
• When was it written? Around 57 AD
• Where was it written? Corinth or nearby Greece
• How does this relate to modern society? It offers hope and optimism, even when faced with adversity or uncertainty, highlighting a broader divine plan.
• How does this relate to you ?

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Psalm 135:310. 

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Matthew 6:149. 

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