Be Thankful

"...and be thankful." [Colossians 3:15]

    Paul is instructing the Colossian believers and us in matters of Christian conduct. One attitude we should possess is gratitude. It is our duty! Be thankful!
   When we stop glorifying God by giving Him thanks, we begin to drift from God. We will either acknowledge the Creator or the creature. The Apostle Paul shows us this downward progression in Romans 12:21 -23, "...when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things." Why? They failed to understand the real answer to the following question. Who gives us life, peace, hope, provides our food, protects us or designed this universe so man could live on earth? The answer is GOD! Once we take away God, we are left aimless and hopeless, filled with despair in the midst of chaos.
   Thankfulness is offering unto God the sacrifice of praise. Sacrifice is at the heart of true worship. In giving God praise, we sacrifice self praise. We want others to pay attention to us, and our actions cry out: "Look at me!", "Pay attention to me!", or "Give me the credit due me."
   When we act this way, our pride grows and soon self replaces God as the main focus of our lives. It is time to stop glorifying self and start to glorify God. Give Him the praise He deserves. It is the only way we can find lasting happiness.
   He is our delight! Be thankful! A happy person has a right relationship with God. A relationship expressed by joyful singing. The Psalmist said, "Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." [100:2] Maybe the reason our joy is missing is our ingratitude. Sin always robs us of joy.
   "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." [Hebrews 13:15] 

PS "On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence." [William Jennings Bryan]
 

8/02/10