Giving of Thanks
“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:4-7
Paul had a real concern that false teachers would come into the church at Colossae and corrupt the peace and sanctity of the church members. He had seen this happen in other churches and knew that none were immune to Satan’s deceptions. If they weren’t careful and diligent to keep their faith strong and be united with one another, they could easily fall for the devil’s beguiling influence through other people or even their own members. Believers can never let their guard down.
Even though Paul wasn’t with them physically, he was with them spiritually. He had them in his heart and on his mind, and it gave him great joy to know that they were keeping the church orderly and remaining steadfast in their faith in Christ. That was music to Paul’s ears and God’s, as well. Since the believers had received Jesus as Lord, Paul reminded them that being born again was more than that instant experience of repentance and placing all faith in Christ; it was also a daily walking with Christ, a commitment for life to love, serve, and obey Him, striving for excellence as a Christian and a witness to the saving power of Christ.
When believers follow this pattern for Christian living, they will be rooted in Christ, grounded, a firm foundation, upon which they will grow in faith. As believers become persistent and consistent students of God’s word, they will become more firmly established in their faith and become more grateful for the sacrifice Christ made and even more determined to follow Him. Thank God for Jesus.
It’s Thanksgiving time again, that is, the day set aside to celebrate all the wonderful things that God has allowed us to have, but not just material things. The greatest thing for which to be thankful is knowing Christ in the full pardon of sin and having the Holy Spirit as a guide, comforter, and constant companion. Some folks never really think to thank God for their blessings. Perhaps the Thanksgiving meal of turkey, dressing, and all the sides or whatever folks choose to serve that day is about the only time some thank God for providing such bounty. My family always thanked God for every meal of which we ate, even if it was only beans and cornbread, which, by the way, makes for pretty good eating.
When I shower, I thank God for the warm water, the water heater that heats it, and the money to pay for it. When I make it safely to destinations in my car, I thank God. I thank Him for sleep at night. Even though sometimes I am not able to sleep but three or four hours, I still thank Him for those three or four hours. As that song we used to sing in church goes, “There’s a roof up above me; I’ve a good place to sleep. There’s food on my table and shoes on my feet. You gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family. Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings on me”.
I Timothy 6:6-12 tells us that to live a contented godly life is great gain. We didn’t bring anything into this world, and it’s for sure that we are not taking anything out when we pass away. If we have food and clothing, that’s enough with which to be content. But those who strive for riches will find a miserable life that will only lead to destruction and eternal condemnation, because the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Those who love money more than God will miss out on life’s blessings and will lack faith leading to many sorrows.
However, if we avoid the trap of seeking riches and, instead, seek righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness, our lives will be a witness to the goodness and mercy of God. And not only that, but our lives will also be filled with gratitude and a peace and joy of which the world can’t even imagine. “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and you will be surprised at what the Lord has done”!