Within the New Testament writings of Paul, the subject of “thankfulness” appears over 35 times. Yet, this humble servant of Christ was incarcerated, sentenced to death, and alienated from his prestigious status in life. How is it that an individual can be so thankful despite the circumstances? Paul focused a lot of his gratitude on God, His saints, and His redemptive plan. Often times we misplace our gratitude and substitute it with a pessimistic energy; primarily because it’s easier to critique than to thank.
If you haven’t noticed, life has shifted into a different paradigm than what we’ve been accustomed to. This can subtly increase stress, tension, and discomfort. However, with a little bit of dedicated time, we too, can fall in line with Paul’s example of finding reasons to be thankful.
- Be thankful for all of the individuals who are going above and beyond to make congregational worship possible. There are several people who are rarely recognized for what they do to make your Sunday worship possible. Preachers are having to preach their sermons twice for two different age groups (as well as roll with the punches of scheduling), members are having to volunteer to help sanitize the building and keep things tidy, and several people are having to quickly learn new software to live-stream services. Elders are having to make big decisions on a weekly basis, to which most of the choices will please some and leave others in dissatisfaction (not an easy/enticing task). The chances are, most of the individuals who are stepping up to the plate to help with the technical side of things have other occupations that don’t require this specific expertise.
- Be thankful for the opportunities God has given you. We are in a new state of living and there are new frontiers that have yet to be explored. Our “sanctioned” time-grid of a daily schedule has been wiped away and we have new opportunities to serve, pray, fellowship, and meditate.
- Be thankful for those who are on the “front lines.” I don’t know if I’ve ever heard this phrase of a “front line” more often in my life than now. Their diligence and sacrificial mindset is something that is worthy of admiration and appreciation. We owe our first responders, medical workers, and essential employees a big “thank you.”
- Be thankful for our freedom. While freedom may not be the first thing that comes to mind with masks being mandatory, social regulations growing, and an ever-increasing governmental observation, it is still a reality that we have. Again, it is very easy to sit back and complain about all that is happening. Yet, to our demise, we are forfeiting our ability to find gratitude when we enable the inner critic. We have a freedom to worship God in our homes (and in the church on some occasions). We have the freedom to get outside and better appreciate our Maker. We have the freedom to make phone calls, texts, and video calls to whomever we’d like. We still have freedom.
- Be thankful for our God. If all of the above fails and your mind is rejecting every word of this article, then you can’t get around this one. God is still loving, mindful, and zealous toward you. God’s Son is still resuming His position to the throne. God’s Spirit is still alive and working in the world today. We have the opportunity to commune with the ever-victorious God of this world.
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In one of Paul’s usages of “thankfulness,” he attaches an idea of purpose and worth to it. Romans 1:21 is contextually speaking of the world and how the created things around us can point us to the one who made it all. As a follow up, he speaks of detestable people who disregard God and pursue other passions. In addressing this problem, Paul states, “they did not honor Him as God, or give Him thanks, but they became futile in their thinking…” Consider the contrast taking place in that phrase. By not honoring God or giving Him thanks, man’s thoughts and pursuits are worthless. Add purpose to your thoughts and show gratitude. Make your own list and reach out to those you are grateful for.
Tyler King
