Thanksgiving...

November is the month when we traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving Day. For most Americans it means little more than a holiday from work or school, an excuse to overeat and watch special sports events. The day is hardly devoted to giving of thanks. And what brief thanks is given to God barely reflects typical attitudes. We quickly return to lives devoted to self instead of to Him—lives characterized more by complaining than by gratitude.

 I'd like to talk about something deeper, something which should characterize our lives every day. The Bible tells us that we should continually be —"giving thanks always" (Eph 5:20)—is a rare commodity among Christians.

The truth is, that there is much for which we should to be genuinely and constantly thankful. Most people who think they have nothing to be thankful for are not nearly as bad off as they could be, and are far better off than millions of others—reason enough to be thankful. No matter how dismal one's circumstances may seem, there is always a great deal for which to give thanks. But the problem goes deeper.

It is self on the throne, wanting to please and benefit itself—and the failure to deny self as Christ commanded—which brings unhappiness no matter how favorable the circumstances may be. The fear of loss worries those whose security and joy is in their earthly position and possessions. Genuine and acceptable thanksgiving to God must have a far deeper source than a feeling of gratitude for the physical blessings of our temporary earthly existence.

The trials of our life will eventually end—either through death or the Rapture. The Christian knows that though this body of flesh and blood may die and decay, he has a new body "eternal in the heavens" (2 Cor 5:1) which will never know pain, fatigue or death. We have "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation..." (1 Pt 1:4-5). This truth should grip our hearts and make us always thankful—truth so wonderful that one would think we could never thank God enough! When did you last thank Him for your eternal life?

As Christians, our hearts should be continually filled to overflowing with thanksgiving to the God who created and redeemed us. How wonderful that though we sinned so grievously against Him and were His enemies, He became a man to suffer for our sins. He Loved us even when we persisted in our self-centered rebellion. What grace! What love! How can we take these blessings for granted?

The very life we have, with the capacity to know and love one another and, wonder of wonders, to know and love God and enjoy His love, is a priceless gift. Gratitude should flood our hearts and lives, and how enthusiastic we ought to be to express our thankfulness to Him! And on top of it all, He has given us the surpassing privilege and joy of experiencing Christ's life within our mortal flesh and witnessing for Him in deed and word right now. Our thanks should erupt continually from our hearts to Him! 

Happy Thanksgiving!