Today I read a eulogy written by a man in memory of his 6-year-old daughter who died of leukemia. “Our daughter was full of gratitude for God and others,” the father shared. “She carried a little purse—containing paper and colored pencils—with her wherever she went so she could write thank-you cards when someone gave her a gift or did something nice for her.”
This young girl left a legacy of appreciation, a legacy worth emulating. Colossians 2:6-8 says our hearts will likewise overflow with thankfulness when we do the following:
• Receive Jesus as Savior and continue to follow Him (Colossians 2:6).
• Grow our roots down into Him and build our lives on Him (Colossians 2:7).
• Mature in the faith we were taught (Colossians 2:7).
• Refuse to be enticed by empty philosophies and high-sounding powers of this world, choosing to follow Jesus instead (Colossians 2:8).
We should make thankfulness our “sacrifice to God,” states Psalm 50:14. Today, Christians do not practice animal sacrifice in worship. However, the principles behind the sacrifices—forgiveness for sin and thankfulness to God—still apply. And we give thanks to God because “He is good! His faithful love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1-3). When we exhibit “thankfulness to God” (Ephesians 5:4), we proclaim His greatness and “let the whole world know what He has done” (Psalm 105:1).
In his message, “Why Give Thanks?” ministry leader Mark Orr writes that giving thanks pleases God and brings us close to Him, makes us emotionally healthy, and helps us deal with depression and lift heavy sorrow.
Whether it’s writing thank-you cards for people who have blessed us or acknowledging God’s goodness, let’s strive for a life that reflects a thankful heart.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Galatians 5:13-26
More:
Ephesians 5:20 says we should “give thanks for everything to God.” What does that mean to you?
Next:
Why is gratitude a powerful witness for our faith in God? How will you live out a thankful heart today?
samtitilope on November 29, 2013 at 1:13 am
In this generation, people that are truly thankful to God are scarce. Most people give thanks always with the expectation to get more. When we give thanks to God wholeheartedly for the blessings we receive, He will be willing to surprise us even more than we may ever imagine.
We should enroll in the school of grateful children so that God could allow His Angels to include our names in His special list.
mike wittmer on November 29, 2013 at 10:26 am
What a powerful example! I wonder if the key to gratitude starts with what we think we deserve. If I think I deserve something I’m much less inclined to be grateful for it.