Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (I Thess. 5:18)."God's blessings be upon you and your family during this season of Thanks. I would kindly remind us that thankfulness is not seasonal, but an integral part of Christian character. The beauty of thankfulness is easy to see against the ugliness of complaining and ingratitude.
This passage is one out of many that helps us to see that Thankfulness;
Is a Command -
There is a biblical imperative to be thankful. Just as God leads, directs and demands us in morality, worship and doctrine, He does so concerning gratitude and thankfulness. It is the will of God!
Is a Choice -
God will not force anyone to follow His lead or obey His command. Humble submission is always necessary in keeping God's Word. Thankfulness is not hardwired into some of our DNA, it is a determined choice. The same goes for the ugly and malignant character of complaint. Choose wisely.
Bears Consequence -
Choices come with consequence. Events, results, fruit and outcome point to the 'why' of the thing. Following God's will in this or any area has a beneficial ending. Failure to follow always leads to some detrimental or disastrous end. The choice is ours to make. Health, wealth, looks, style, relationships and faith are impacted and effected by gratitude.
Is a Commitment -
Whenever the right choice is made it must then be upheld. That takes endurance, perseverance or sticktoitiveness. Selfishness, complaining, cynicism and other enemies of thanksgiving will constantly assault your resolve to be thankful. Fight it. Overcome it. Don't let any negative, base or natural tendency get in the way of you becoming what God desires. It is the only way to "give thanks in all circumstance".
Becomes a Character -
If you practice a discipline, no matter how hard it may seem at first, it will eventually become part of your natural tendency. Awkwardness will fade and uneasiness will be replaced with a new skill. Like a long time employee or a veteran soldier, the basics become second nature. The same with thankfulness - it becomes character. God doesn't want you to give thanks as much as He desires for you and I to become thankful. There is a difference.
Growing in God means Growing in Grace means Growing in Gratitude means Growing in Godliness means Growing in Glory.
I Hope this Hopes you.
