Always Thankful
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:15-16
In Colossians 3:15-16, we are directed to “be thankful.” The most common approach we have regarding thankfulness is identifying WHY or WHAT we are thankful for. The more common answers are good health, a family, a career, a house, finances, an answer to prayer, a blessing, etc. Do not get me wrong, these items are good in themselves, and we should be thankful for them. But is this what Christ was talking about when He directed us to be thankful? Should our thankful attitude and spirit be focused on a good event or benefit we may have received? Or was Christ charging us to go deeper into this, going past the surface level of gratitude?
Christ did not put parameters or criteria on WHEN or WHY we should be thankful, but just that we SHOULD be thankful. More specifically, He directed us to be thankful to God, our Father, with no conditions. In fact, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 and Ephesians 5:20, we are called to be always thankful in all circumstances.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 5:20
Christ’s instruction is a focus on the ongoing renewal of our hearts; establishing a heart of thankfulness, which is not based on benefits or blessing, but concentrated on our Father and our relationship with Him. So, as you start your day, be thankful, regardless of your circumstances. Yes, it may be a tough season or maybe it has been a wonderful one. Regardless, remember the God that you serve and the Holy Spirit who is with you. Be thankful FOR and TO Him!!!