Let’s say we are going to have a family fun night at church. We tell everyone to come and enjoy a night of fun with the church family. Some then think, “That sounds good. Let’s go!” When people arrive, they see a bunch of board games on one table, but some are repulsed by board games. On another table are craft items and others absolutely hate doing crafts. On yet another table people find video games but there are some who would rather clean out the garage than play video games. Hypothetically, a person could then stand in shock and think … “I thought this was supposed to be fun!” What was the problem? Your definition of a fun family game night was different from someone else’s definition of a fun game night.
What is your definition of thankfulness? Some believe thankfulness is merely saying, “thank you.” Others will say that true thankfulness is shown, not spoken. Yet another group would believe that others know they are thankful, and they do not need to express it every time they receive a benefit. The American Heritage Dictionary defines thankfulness as “aware and appreciative of a benefit.” Do you see thankfulness the same way God sees thankfulness? It truly is important that the church lives out thankfulness as God describes it in the Bible!
So, what is meant by the term “thankfulness?” Politeness? Toleration of the undesirable? A forced smile? Satisfying one with gratitude to get what you want?
The Bible says that thankfulness is…
NON-NEGOTIABLE: IT’S A COMMAND
Colossians 3:15. In the context of this portion of scripture Paul begins in:
Chapter 1 stating his gratitude for the Colossians faithful walk with the Lord and then highly lifts up Jesus Christ.
Chapter 2 Paul highly lifts up Christianity (as opposed to other religions), and then in
Chapter 3 Paul highly lifts up the calling each Christian is given to walk with the Lord.
So, he begins the book by thanking the Colossians and expressing his gratitude for their testimony, and then more than halfway through the book he admonishes them to be thankful for JESUS CHRIST and the HIGH CALLING He has given each of them! This is an imperative statement applied specifically to the church! No choices or alternatives are available!
Thankfulness tends to promote peace and harmony amid the church. An ungrateful assembly often experiences church life as “tumultuous, agitated, restless, and dissatisfied” (Source: Barnes Notes on the Bible)! The church needs to nurture a thankful heart to enjoy “the peace of God (ruling) in your heart.”
Here are three examples of choosing thankfulness when it does not come naturally:
Thankfulness in Trials. Some may not like the trials that are allowed to cross their life’s journey. We must be thankful for how the Lord uses the hard things to make something beautiful in us and through us. James 1:2. We also need to choose thankfulness for where things are going along a little easier and smoother. The goodness of God is in both sides of our comfort zones!
Thankfulness in Differences. Some may not like people who are different from their own opinions and preferences. James 1:27. We must be thankful that God brought us people who think outside of our box to help us think more biblically and help us not to reason just according to our comfort or according to our traditions.
Thankfulness in Long Standing Abundance. Some may not realize thankfulness when long standing abundance has been their consistent friend. Philippians 4:10-13. Think about it.
How long have you been saved from eternal judgment in hell? Yet, when was the last time you thanked the God of your salvation? Do you still have parents breathing on this planet who are faulted, yet they still love you? When was the last time you said thank you for raising me and helping shape me into the adult I am today? How long have you enjoyed a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly paycheck? Have you thanked your employer for a solid job, for their investment in mentoring you, or for always being on time with your paycheck?
Sometimes, we can become unthankful merely due to familiarity. We get used to “having it good!” So, do not miss the command in Colossians 3:15, “…be ye thankful!”
Birthdays are exciting times for many families – especially for children. They usually have a cake, some sort of celebration with friends or family, and they often receive a gift or two. Now for the child that has family who loves them, a roof over their head, food on their table, and on top of all that a gift for the special occasion – that child is truly blessed! What if that child did not thank their family or friends for that special day? They would be considered selfish or rude.
The child of God we have much more than a birthday party to offer thanks. The church of Colosse has been shown Christ, Christianity, and Christ’s calling for their lives – they were rich indeed! And so, they were called upon to be thankful! Also, thankfulness is…
CONTINUAL CHOICES: It’s moment to moment
I Thess. 5:16-25. A literal understanding of these verses could read something like this:
“Always be rejoicing. Be praying unceasingly. In everything be giving thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Notice the verb tenses from the original Geek. It helps in our understanding. “Be Rejoicing…be praying unceasingly…be giving thanks…” The idea is a present continual action!
Several years ago, I was going through the process of allergy shots. I was struggling with being allergic to just about everything (at least that is how it felt!). My allergist wanted me to pursue allergy shots. Since I was a highly allergic person (one doctor later called me the “most allergic person he has ever treated”), they started with smaller doses than they normally do. I believe it was the time I received my 4th allergy shot. The nurse turned around to place the needle on the counter and when she looked back at me, I said, “Something’s wrong.” I had been going into anaphylactic shock. Thankfully the clinic was attached to the hospital, and I was given a free ride to the ER where I spent the next 5 hours. Breathing must be done with a present continual action – or you don’t live very long.
Rejoicing, praying, and thanking God must be done with a present continual action. The absence of rejoicing, praying, and thanking God reveal a step away from the will of God. We must purposely choose thankfulness.