Thankfulness — More than Minding Our Manners
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The Blessings of Abundance
Good parents teach the value of being “thankful” and expressing gratitude. As toddlers we are taught to say, “Please” and “Thank you.” But the biblical concept of thankfulness encompasses much more than initially seems apparent.
The dictionary expands upon the topic, “a proper, fitting or called for response to a benefactor for something received.” And, in the developed nations we have an abundance of material benefits to appreciate. And we should be grateful for the wealth of physical things that we enjoy. Clean air, fresh water, good food are just the beginning of the good things available to us. And while scripture admonishes us to be thankful for these things, there is more to the picture.
Seasons of Thanksgiving
God’s Holy Day seasons are special times of thanksgiving to God. We assemble together to worship and praise Him for all the good things he does. But we also give thanks for who he is, for his goodness, kindness, and covenant loyalty. Every good thing flows from him, and our appropriate response to him is one of praise and gratitude.
Ministering to God
Ingratitude is a hallmark of our age. Yet, there is a consequence for a lack of appreciation and thankfulness to the God who freely offers us his gifts. As God’s ministers we are called to shine as light in this darkness. God’s people are to set an example of thankfulness, offering themselves in service to others as a “thank offering” We can express our gratitude in song, in prayer, and in our service to the brethren. Are we offering our thanks daily to God for his word and his work in our lives with a clear conscience, in a spirit of humility? “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1Thessalonians 5
