Returning Thanks to the Lord (To Whom it is due)

     There are four categories of people. First of all there are those who are constantly complaining and grumbling.  Have you met any of these folks? They can brighten up a room just by leaving it. That’s the lowest level.

     The second type are those who live lives of ingratitude. They don’t complain, but they never thank God even for His obvious blessings. That’s a little better, but not much better.

    Then there are people who thank God for obvious blessings. When something good happens, they’re grateful. That’s a better level.

    But the highest level is to be grateful for all things at all times. That is the secret of a happy and productive life. We need to bow before the Lord and begin to think about difficult circumstances we face. Then, thank Him for each one. (James 1:2-5, ESV)  “² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” First of all let me challenge you to thank God for the seasons of life that He has brought you through.

    You and I, since we are born with a sin nature and then willfully begin to start down that path on our own, we begin life as enemies of God and slaves to sin (see Rom. 6:17). Also in Romans, Paul tells us that Christ made reconciliation to God possible by His death & resurrection, (Rom 5:10) “¹⁰ For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

   This would be a good time to realize that those of us who have become followers of Christ were redeemed from the curse of Sin and have started on the course of a journey that Jesus planned for us long before we  were ever born.  And the transformation from Sinner/Slave to purpose-filled friend of Christ is what is so astonishing about God’s grace (John 15:15) “¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”

    So as you begin this season where so many may or may not truly be thankful, let me encourage you to praise God for what He has done and will continue to do in you.  It can be one of the most emotional and intense thoughts to enter your mind.  The great God of creation profoundly cares for you and has an intricate plan for your life that only you can fulfill.  Can you give the Lord some time right now to humble you with such a thought?

      C. S. Lewis wrote, “If we have never had the experience of taking our casual, religious shoes off our casual, religious feet – getting rid of all the excessive informality with which we approach God – it is questionable whether we have ever stood in His presence.” A thankful spirit is a mark of Christian maturity. When a believer is abounding in thanksgiving, that person is really making progress!”  Give thanks in every situation, but start by thanking God for you.

(Eph. 5:20)  “²⁰ giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,.”