As we rapidly approach the holiday season, I am starting to wonder how much and for what we as Americans express our true gratitude. Our current culture is constantly bombarding us with pleas to acquire the next new thing which comes at a rapidly increasing pace. Unfortunately; a large portion of the body of Christ has bought into this feverish pitch of materialistic procuration. And one only needs to peruse the evening news for a few minutes to be in danger of falling into a sense of hopeless despair. However, I believe if we as believers take a step back and take a fresh look at the gospel – why Jesus came to earth and what He did for us - it will ignite a new fervor of thankfulness, hope, and faith in us that will be evident to everyone we come in contact with.
When we spend ourselves on serving money, we will not have any strength or resources to serve God.
As Americans, we have been practically engrained to be thankful only if everything is going our way, we are not struggling in any fashion, and if we have the latest model of every gadget that is available. This however, is not what the word of God teaches.
Jesus warned us about this in Matthew 6:24. He said that we cannot serve two masters. When we spend ourselves on serving money, we will not have any strength or resources to serve God. Money can be a powerful tool for the Lord, but it is a demanding, relentless taskmaster. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul instructs his young protégé to teach the wealthy to use their resources wisely for the glory of God rather than to trust in earthly riches that are temporary at best.
Everyone that has ever lived, is currently alive, or will live on this earth will go through trails of various types and severity. That includes the Christians, despite certain teachings that are running rampant across radio and television.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we read that we are to “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Notice that is does not say in “some” circumstances. Nor does it say “for” all circumstances. I know all of us at one time or another have been in situations for which it would be very difficult to be thankful. It is during these times of tribulation that we can rest on words such as these from Jesus:
"I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world." John 16:33
Everyone that has ever lived, is currently alive, or will live on this earth will go through trails of various types and severity. That includes the Christians, despite certain teachings that are running rampant across radio and television.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we read that we are to “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Notice that is does not say in “some” circumstances. Nor does it say “for” all circumstances. I know all of us at one time or another have been in situations for which it would be very difficult to be thankful. It is during these times of tribulation that we can rest on words such as these from Jesus:
"I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world." John 16:33
We can be assured that His strength will carry us through anything that may come our way.
Knowing that Jesus has overcome the world is a comfort beyond mere words. We know from the Word of God that Jesus endured trials, tribulations, and suffering beyond our finite comprehension because of His love for us and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, we can be assured that His strength will carry us through anything that may come our way.
I can assure you that I have definitely not arrived at the place of instantly thanking God in every circumstance and trial that comes my way. This time of year I am probably more sensitive to His guidance, promptings, and conviction as I am reminded to be truly thankful. If this is stirring in your heart as well, I pray that we all grow to be truly thankful to Him.
The depth of my depravity (and that of everyone else), demanded a payment we could never afford to pay. But God, because of His love for us, sent Jesus to pay that debt for all of humanity. As we believe and accept His gift of substitution, we are credited with His righteousness. There is absolutely nothing else in all creation that I could be more thankful for!
So during this season of giving thanks, I sincerely hope that all of us remember to be truly thankful to God. Regardless of what we may or may not be going through, and what we may or may not have, if we have received the gift of salvation that Jesus paid so dearly for, we will always have a reason to express our gratitude.
I can assure you that I have definitely not arrived at the place of instantly thanking God in every circumstance and trial that comes my way. This time of year I am probably more sensitive to His guidance, promptings, and conviction as I am reminded to be truly thankful. If this is stirring in your heart as well, I pray that we all grow to be truly thankful to Him.
The depth of my depravity (and that of everyone else), demanded a payment we could never afford to pay. But God, because of His love for us, sent Jesus to pay that debt for all of humanity. As we believe and accept His gift of substitution, we are credited with His righteousness. There is absolutely nothing else in all creation that I could be more thankful for!
So during this season of giving thanks, I sincerely hope that all of us remember to be truly thankful to God. Regardless of what we may or may not be going through, and what we may or may not have, if we have received the gift of salvation that Jesus paid so dearly for, we will always have a reason to express our gratitude.
John Clark
John Clark is a husband to Julie, a father of one son living in Valrico, Florida. He has an Associate Degree of Theology from Life Christian University, and serves at Life Center of Brandon where he is a teacher and writer.
John Clark is a husband to Julie, a father of one son living in Valrico, Florida. He has an Associate Degree of Theology from Life Christian University, and serves at Life Center of Brandon where he is a teacher and writer.
