Give Thanks
Discipleship entails developing an attitude of gratitude for all of God’s good gifts.
In last month’s newsletter, I shared with you that discipleship is a way of life. It is not an option for the church; it is its mission. For as Jesus was ascending back to heaven, he spoke these words: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
In this month’s newsletter, and considering Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, I thought that I would write to you about giving thanks to God for all his good and blessed gifts. In writing to the church in Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul had these words to say: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Being one of Paul’s first written epistles and writing during a time of hostility to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul makes it clear what is most important; first, namely, to rejoice in all circumstances, whether good or bad. God the Father, who, as James says, does not change like shifting shadows (cf. James 1:17), is benevolent toward all his created creatures. We may have experienced evil or encountered a situation for which we have not asked, but that does not negate the goodness of almighty God and the truth that he remains in constant control by his divine sovereignty. Paul later speaks of one’s vocational call and God’s activity in the lives of his people when he says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his good purpose” (Romans 8:28). Here is the good news: God invites us to rejoice in his everlasting mercies poured out upon our lives – mercies that, when given, result in abundant praise and thanksgiving from the heart.
Second, Paul also encourages us to pray continually. The call of a disciple of Jesus is to remain connected to the vine in such a way that connects heaven to earth. How is your prayer life? Do you set aside intentional time throughout your day to connect with heaven? Are you mindful of the good gifts that God has given you, and are you deliberate in not only voicing your prayer concerns before God, but in listening to his still small voice? When we pray continually, we advocate that following Jesus is a lifestyle of prayer – a connection with the Lord where our soul is at rest in constant listening and speaking to the divine glory in heaven.
Third, Paul says to give thanks in all circumstances. The key word in this phrase is “all.” Whether life is going well for you or you are experiencing difficulties, give God thanks. He is the One who promises to be with you and to never leave you nor forsake you (cf. Hebrews 13:8). If God promises to be with you even to the close of the age (cf. Matthew 28:18b), and if the Lord of grace has apportioned his life-saving blood in your life, freeing you from your sins and granting you eternal life in his name, then, my dear friend, you have something for which to give God thanks. All of this, as Paul concludes, is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
May the blessing of knowing Jesus surround you and keep you in His grip,
Pastor Brian