Thanksgiving Is A Discipline

Thanksgiving is upon us which means we can get that extra plate we have been saving for all year after you made a New Year's Resolution to lose weight. Men are getting ready for two days of non-stop football. People will sacrifice their family time to get in line at retail stores to get that item they saw in the paper they must get for someone they love or themselves.

Thanksgiving is the one time in our country where we take time to reflect on our lives and ask what are we thankful for, but as Christians we need to thankful all the time. The Bible even tells to come into the presence of God with Thanksgiving:

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise (Psalm 95:2)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name (Psalm 100:2)

The Bible tells us as we pray we are to do it with Thanksgiving:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6)

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving(Colossians 4:2)

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

The Bible also tells us that everything God made is good, as mentioned in Genesis 1, and is to be received with thanksgiving:

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:4-5)

Christians are to be in a constant state of thanksgiving even when everything in our world seems to be falling apart:

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)

Notice it says, "give thanks in all circumstances." This is a hard thing to do when things are tough. For many people today, they do not have a job, their marriage is falling apart, their spouse has a disease, or their children are rebellious. The Bible tells us to come to God with thanksgiving even when times are tough. This is a discipline for Christians to partake of because the gospel gives us reasons why we should be thankful.

First, we are saved by the grace of God through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Second, we have a living hope because Jesus is alive. Third, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us everyday as we live as exiles on this earth. Finally, we know that Jesus will come back and set the world straight and give us grace.

Many of you, including myself, have a long list of reasons to be thankful. Whether it's a new job, you got married, you just had a baby, or God is a great work in your city through your church. I challenge you to take everything you have to be thankful for a give it to God and tell someone about it. In addition, tell someone about a hard time you went through recently and express how grateful you are to God for giving you grace to get through that circumstance.

Thanksgiving is to be celebrated everyday by Christians (not the holiday, but the attitude [I am sure your employers will not like that nor your waistline]). Start now to express your thanksgiving to God. Don't wait till tomorrow.