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,.”
