Mature Christianity is realized in selfless love (I Cor. 13). It is the selfless heart that brings forth true thanksgiving. Selfishness gone, prideful arrogance behind, the humble Christian has no resistance to expressing his/her thanksgiving and living thankfully. It is selfishness, and pride which accompanies it, that leads to one ceasing to remember and glorify God. The vain imaginations of the high-minded along with their professed superior wisdom, wind up in a desire to reduce the incorruptible God into some likeness of man. When a person gets to this low, a lustful heart takes over and is seen in dishonor even of their own bodies. The selfish, prideful, arrogant individual will attempt to “change the truth of God into a lie.” It shouldn’t surprise anyone that this prideful person will be given to perversion either in support of it or participation in it or both. Read Romans 1:28-32.
Why should we be thankful? God has given us a place to live (Psalm 19:1). The psalmist marveled when considering the work of God’s creation (Psalm 8:3-9). God gives to his creation richly to enjoy both the creation itself, and the labor of our hands—the gift of God (Ecc. 3:13). It is fruitful seasons that bring food and gladness (Acts 14:17). He gives all we need to live and thrive in this world.
We should be thankful because God has not made us only to leave us alone with no direction. God has given a guide to living (Psa. 119:105). All things that pertain to life and Godliness are found in it (II Pet. 1:3). The principles and examples to life are found Old to New Testament (Rom. 15:4). The true light to life is the word of God. Why is the world so angry, because in general those of the world cannot see the light.
Why should we be thankful? God has given us something for which to live (John 14:2). Not only does he bless in this world (Phil. 4:7), but also in the life to come. There is a reason to live and purpose in living for the Lord (Ecc. 12:13). Reason for living erases aimless living and produces true satisfaction. That is the completeness of God’s beautiful design for mankind. That is the all powerful, all knowing God.
We should be thankful because God has given us family, companionship through the life experience in this world. He designed the home for the satisfaction of the physical needs of this world (Gen. 2), and brought into the world through Jesus Christ a higher Spiritual family in His church to satisfy the Spiritual needs (Mark 10:29-30).
In this season of thanksgiving dear Christian, remember in Christ we should be humbly thankful. The most thankful of all people should be the Christian. May the love of God continue with you and give you peace.
David Hill
Northeast Church of Christ Bulletin, November 26, 2023
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