The fourth Thursday in November is set aside for a day of Thanksgiving. It’s one day in which we (like those early Pilgrims) set aside time in our busy schedules to give thanks to God. Now there is nothing wrong with that, but the word of God tells us that this should be a continual, daily attitude.
Ephesians 5:19, 20 tells Christians to “Speak to one another with Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.”
The two previous scriptures are about a continual attitude for Christians, an attitude of the heart. How we are to act towards each other.
In order to do this, we must have a proper perspective of Thanksgiving by being thankful in all circumstances. This can only be done by having a right understanding of our circumstances, and our God.
There are at least three things that steal away our gratitude, three things that keep us from being thankful: 1) Our ‘pride’ — This attitude says “nobody ever gave me anything; I worked hard for everything I have.” With this kind of attitude, we feel that we have no one to thank but ourselves. 2) Another attitude that keeps us from being thankful is: a ‘critical spirit’ of constantly complaining, instead of being grateful. This person will always find something to complain about. 3) Another attitude that keeps us from being thankful to God is ‘carelessness’ in not being aware of the many blessings we receive from God everyday.
Because of pride, carelessness or a critical spirit, we will never be truly thankful for all that God has given us. God appreciates our thanksgiving. It lifts Him up and it glorifies Him. Thanksgiving endears God to us; it draws us closer. If we are not grateful and if we do not express our thanksgiving, then it can have the opposite affect.
In Romans 1:21, Paul says: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Let everyday of your life be a day of thanksgiving.
My weekly prayer is for the reader of this commentary to become spiritually inspired of God. Become an Intercessory Prayer Partner with Expressions of Faith by sending for a copy of our Intercessory Prayer and a prayer of re-dedication for your life.
Contact E.O.F. at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or e-mail <watsonwr68@gmail.com>. Enjoy this holiday season with family and friends, giving thanks to God Almighty. God bless!
