Blog Posts
Thankful in Both Word and Deed
We happen to live in a country where, once a year in the fall, a day of “thanksgiving” is observed. It is altogether appropriate that we have such a day to remind ourselves of how blessed we are. No nation has ever prospered as we have. And since we tend to forget our blessings and take them for granted, it is appropriate to set aside a day to remember to be thankful.
But being thankful — truly thankful — is more than a matter of words. In both word and deed, we should be thankful for God’s blessings. It should be apparent by the way we conduct our lives every day of the year that we appreciate God’s goodness. Paul wrote, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).
Are we thankful for our families? Let’s show it by treating them more lovingly. Are we thankful for our material possessions? Let’s be good stewards of them by using them in the Lord’s work. Are we thankful for our city and state and nation? Let’s do something about it by working as active citizens for the betterment of our communities and the preservation of our freedoms. Are we thankful for our friends? Let’s demonstrate it by being a better friend to them. Are we thankful for the gospel? Let’s prove it by sharing it with everybody around us.
Perhaps it is not going too far to say that every sin we commit is a failure of gratitude in one way or another. If we could properly keep in mind the blessings of our Creator and be adequately thankful for them, we would never even think about violating His will.
Without a doubt, the greatest blessing God ever gave us was the gift of His Son. Lest we forget to be grateful, God has given us the Lord’s Supper. Today, as we partake of the Supper — and throughout this week — let’s meditate on God’s grace in the giving of so many good things. May we be determined more than ever to give ourselves back to God in grateful obedience and service. Let’s show that we mean what we say when we offer thanks, such that outsiders may look at us and be moved to say, “Now there is a thankful group of people!"
