Expressing Gratitude
How often do we have the chance to tell someone “thank you” and let the opportunity pass? Some don’t see the need to express their gratitude as if what is done for them is due them. Then why does the KJV Bible have the phrase “give thanks” thirty-five times? In addition to this, “giving thanks” is found five times, “giving of thanks” three times, and “thankful” three times. There are also many other ways to express gratitude.
Do we fail to express our gratitude for all that God has given us; done for us and provided for us? Some don’t even pause long enough, when they sit down at the table to eat, to thank God for what they are about to consume. It is apparent from Genesis 9:3, just after Noah and his family came out of the ark, God had “given” man food. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
Christians should be aware that God has not only provided the means for fulfilling our physical needs, but according to 2Peter 1:3, the provision for our spiritual needs have also been met. According as his divine power hath given unto us (Christians) all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Can we not find it within ourselves to tell our Heavenly Father how much we appreciate the physical and spiritual blessings He has provided? Some do not, cannot, or simply will not.
Part of the “all things” of 2Peter 1:3, are “exceeding great and precious promises” of God. He has promised in His Word in 2Peter 1:4 what awaits us if we answer the gospel call and then remain faithful to God. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. To be with Him and spend eternity with Him will only take place after the Lord returns at the end of time.
I am sure we wouldn’t want to be known as part of, or included with the carnal group of 2Timothy 3:1-4 who are identified as those “ushering in” perilous times. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Notice that the “unthankful” are listed along with the covetous, blasphemers, and the unholy. Surely the child of God will not “willingly” participate in such things. Rather, in the latter part of 2Timothy 3:5, we see the inspired instruction regarding those of this way. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
We are quickly approaching the “holiday” known as Thanksgiving. Many are having difficulty “finding” things for which to be thankful this year. Much has happened in the past twelve months or so which has caused some to blame God. We have the on-going virus, the restrictions imposed on us all as a result, the election woes, and perhaps even some unrelated personal ills, which draw the focus of many toward what we “don’t have”, rather than the many good things we “do have”. Things might not be as they have been in previous years. This is to be expected as much has changed during this year, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have things for which we can be thankful.
Might I direct the Christian’s mind to 1Corinthians 15:57 where we read that every faithful Christian is a winner? Most all folks I know are thankful when they win. But thanks be to God, which giveth us (Christians) the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Then as we read the next verse, we should see that the best way to “express gratitude” to God for this victory is to remain strong, and “abound” in His Work. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
(1Corinthians 15:58)
Gratitude, or thankfulness, is not to be just a “holiday” affair, but should be a manner of life, especially that of a Christian. The Jewish brethren who previously lived under the Law of Moses, but were now the children of God “spiritually” were told in Hebrews 13:5 how all their lives were to show gratitude or appreciation. Let your conversation (means manner of life) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. This alone is something for which all Christians should be grateful. These same brethren were even told how to express their gratitude to God in Hebrews 13:15-16. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Let’s strive to be pleasing to God as we enjoy the “Thanksgiving” holiday and every day by doing His Will, praising His name in song, communicating the Word of God and showing His Love to all.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
