A Pause to Ponder God's Word
"Thankful To..."

 In his book, "Assurances of the Heart," Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. writes: "It must be an odd feeling to be thankful to nobody in particular. Christians in public institutions often see this odd thing happening on Thanksgiving Day. Everyone in the institution seems to be thankful 'in general.' It is very strange."

 James admonishes us not to be deceived, but to recognize that "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights who does not change like the shifting shadows." (James 1:16-17) To be truly thankful we must acknowledge that we have been given to and we must recognize the giver. We are so prone to thinking that we have achieved or earned what we have. We figure we've worked hard. We've earned it and it is ours.

 We are also taught well by our culture to focus upon what we do not have rather than upon what we do. Discontent is cultivated with subtle diligence by our society. We are consistently being told that what we have needs to be replaced by the new improved model. We are told that what we have isn't enough; more brings satisfaction. "Never be satisfied" is the motto of modern society. John D. Rockefeller captured this concept well in his answer to the question, "how much money is enough?" His answer; "one more dollar."

 Beloved, we must not be deceived. Such attitudes are of the world and have no place in the Christian heart. We know, and must never forget, that God is our gracious Provider. Everything we have is a gracious gift from Him. There are many means through which He provides, but He alone is the Giver. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that being thankful is more than a glib note of gratitude. It is a crucial component of our worship (Hebrews 12:28). If our worship is to be complete and acceptable, we must recognize and acknowledge both the gifts and the giver with thanksgiving.

 Therefore, "let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we were called to peace. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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