Thanks and Thankfulness

There is definitely a difference between the two. One is what you do and the other is what you are. It is possible and very common to give thanks without being thankful.

Thanksgiving is commendable, appropriate and pleasant, but gratefulness is better. Thanks is an action but thankfulness is an attitude. Thanks can be made from the heart but it can also be made with the lips only. Gratefulness will always be evidenced through a persons actions, words and thoughts.

It is about Character. Just as a person can give without being generous, or smile without being happy, or go to church without being spiritual, one can give thanks without being grateful. All point actions are good but nothing like the lasting goodness of character.

The difference is really seen when situations are not conducive to giving thanks. It is easy to give thanks in a thanksgiving atmosphere. Gratefulness, however, shines brightest when situations are unpleasant or even problematic. To be thankful when your hurting, grateful in tribulation, or positive through problems is evidence of great character.

Like all things character, thankfulness is a choice. We have the power and privilege to decide what character we will embrace. We can reject anger and embrace peace. We can reject despondence and embrace hope. We can reject selfishness and embrace sacrifice.

The same for gratitude. Some complain, murmur, sulk, criticize, scoff, demean, bemoan and grieve. They do so because of a choice based on poor values. The consequence is an unpleasant, witheringly bitter attitude of ungratefulness. Conversely, if one chooses to be grateful, even when life calls for complaints, that person exudes so kind, positive and encouraging attributes.

This is why Paul says that the Spirit-filled person is "Thankful for all things in Christ Jesus (Eph. 5:19)."

It is the season of giving thanks, but we must be people of gratefulness.

Growing Up

There is a great lesson on maturity from the life of David.

There were two men who levied great insults against the psalmist: Nabal and Shimei.
Nabal’s insult came when David was hiding from Saul. He slanderously denied help to David and his men though they watched over his shepherds for the year. It was a disrespectful, inconsiderate offense from a crass and base individual. To not help was a cultural wound, but to speak evil of good added salt to the wound. David reacted by mounting up with his men and riding to Nabal’s house with intent to slaughter all the men.

Shemei’s insult came when David ran from Absolam, who led a semi-successful coup against the throne. Shemei was a descendant of Saul, so he’d been holding a grudge for over twenty years. When he saw David and his men walking dejectedly from Jerusalem, he laughed, called names and even threw rocks at the man of God. David did not retaliate or allow his captain to kill him. Instead David said that perhaps God sent Shemei to insult him.

How did we get such a difference in reaction? Why did David go from antagonist to pacifist? What changed a hot-headed war machine into a patient, considerate and forgiving man of peace?

The answer my friends is Life. Life changed David from a rash avenger to a patient sufferer. Life humbled, changed and matured the Man after God’s own heart. The years from Nabal to Shemei included his sin with Bathsheeba, the rape of his daughter Tamar, the murder of his son Amnon and the rebellion of Absalom. These things would change anyone.

Life is producing a kinder, more thoughtful, less offended David Wilson. And I’m determined to learn the lessons without the loss. What is life producing in you?

Dealing

The Psalmist said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest (Ps. 55:6)."

Wishful thinking, but the fact is you don't have wings so you have to deal. I realize David was speaking poetically about his troubles. People were mistreating him, pressure was heavy on him, and life was uncomfortable. I've been there and you have as well, but if wishes were fishes we'd eat for life. God did not make us to flee or fly but to stand and deal.

Too often we find ourselves fantasizing about fleeing. "I should just quit," "I ought to leave" or "I'm moving my membership." Sometimes we even hope God would step in and stop consequences, cease suffering or make things better. I understand the sentiment, but the relevant and evident truth is God wants us to deal with things.

Look at the statements of our faith and see the endurance element.

- Running the race with patience (Heb.12:1).

- Wrestling against powers (Eph. 6:10-12).

- The fiery trial of faith (I Pet. 1:7).

- Bearing one another's burdens (Gal.6:2).

- The perfecting work of patience (James 1:4).

Don't fly away like a bird, deal with it. Bear up. Go through it. Suffer it to be so. Persevere. Endure. Overcome. Take your shots. In the end, you will be better having gone through than if you ran like a coward. We should all focus more on what we are going to more than what we are going through.

By the way David, if you did have wings, where would you fly to? Trouble will find you wherever you go. In the desert you'd run out of water. In the mountains you'd get cold at night. Best to stay in Jerusalem where God put you and deal with it.

Hope up.

Disciples of Dayton

A few weeks back I returned to Dayton, Ohio to preach for the Northwest Church of Christ in their fall meeting. My friend and brother Dr. Cleavon Matthews is the very capable Minister there.

I love going to Dayton. The hospitality and appreciation is overwhelming. Golf with Cleavon and Bro. Pediford was wonderful and educational. I even got to sit down at Papadeux with John Edmerson. Or I should say, sat down with John at Papadeux’s. I really, really love that restaurant. J

Dinner by Christy Matthews was exceptional. One word says it all – Strawberry Butter. Hm hm good! Found out that when Christy writes letters for the church, she sometimes writes Church of Christy. Imagine that! Going to hell for a typo.

I commend the audience for their patience and support through a not so celebrated subject – Stewardship. That is a hard subject for many, but Dayton took it, nodded their heads and vowed to do better. Curtis Williamson did an excellent job on the singing. May God bless that church and inspire them to fulfill their vision.