Thankfulness

TEXT:

‘Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Ephesians 5:20)

THOUGHT:

As this pandemic continues and lockdown measures, instead of being further eased, have remained or even been re-imposed, one could be forgiven for thinking, “What is there to be thankful about?”

With millions of views on what the Government should or should not have done reacting to Covid-19, it’s little wonder that many feel they have much to complain about, especially when experiencing the loss of a loved one, employment, holidays and personal liberty.

Yet our text urges us to, ‘Give thanks always for all things’. The same message was sent to the Thessalonian Christians, ‘In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The church at Philippi was reminded, ‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done’ (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

Certainly life was not easy at that time, especially with the added problem of persecution for being a Christian, but the importance of being thankful today is the same as it was back then. Today’s Teaching highlights four reasons why thankfulness is so beneficial.

• Appreciation

It’s all too easy to dwell on loss, but having a sense of thankfulness helps us to appreciate who we have and what we have. Look around your home and thank God for the many things you do have, infinitely more in the West than in the majority of Africa and Asian homes. So much we take for granted, even thinking it is our right to have it, that we forget to be thankful for it!

What about appreciating people? The nation has been showing its appreciation for NHS and Emergency workers, but what about those doing the mundane tasks, especially within the home. When was the last time you said a heartfelt “thank you” for your meal? If it has been a while, make sure you start doing it from today!

• Impartation

Thankfulness has the effect of imparting something outwardly and inwardly. When we appreciate people and let them know it, something positive is imparted towards them. Their spirits are lifted and their strength is renewed when receiving thanks and compliments. Many businesses fail to thank and appreciate their staff, instead demanding more and more, and this can be so demoralising. No wonder many go off sick! When bosses praise the workers, it changes the atmosphere in the workplace.

Appreciation does something inwardly too. It fills the heart with a peace and sense of contentment. ‘Godliness with contentment is great gain’ (1 Timothy 6:6).

• Vision

Thankfulness helps us to see the positives more than the negatives. You may not have the latest thing but at least you have something! I liked the car bumper sticker which read, “My car may be old but at least it is paid for and it is in front of you!”

Thankfulness changes our spiritual eyesight enabling us to see clearly. ‘And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them’ (Romans 8:28 NLT). It also attracts people to us to help with the God-given vision we have been entrusted with. If you find people avoiding you, perhaps you need to check your thankfulness!

• Prevention

Scientific research has clearly established that thankful people generally live longer, and enjoy a happier, healthier lifestyle. Positive energy recharges the body every day. ‘A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones’ (Proverbs 17:22 AMP). Are you doing yourself good or drying up your bones?

God gave the Children of Israel a health warning. ‘The Lord blessed you in every way, but you would not serve him with glad and joyful hearts. So then, you will serve the enemies that the Lord is going to send against you. You will be hungry, thirsty, and naked—in need of everything’ (Deuteronomy 28:47-48 GNT). Thankfulness would have stopped the negative from affecting their lives.

Finally, let the following scripture bless and encourage you.

‘Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other.

None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.

Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house.

Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using

good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God!

Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name

of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.’

(Colossians 3:15-17 MSG).