The Gooch Lane church of Christ is a group of people in Madison, Alabama seeking to study the Bible and put God’s teachings into practice. We’d love to have you join us for Bible study and worship.
All in Thankfulness
The Apostle Paul certainly believed this and encouraged the Christians at Colossae to have a life permeated with thanks. Throughout this short and powerful epistle, the apostle admonished these first-century Christians to live a life that overflows with thanksgiving.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…” (Phil 2:14-16).
Other words for “grumbling or disputing” may be used. Paul is saying that Christians ought not to be constantly complaining, arguing, muttering, and fussing. These instructions come on the heels of some other significant points Paul is making. He has already told the hearers that they are to be of the same mind and intent, doing nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but with humility of mind esteeming others as more important than self (vv. 2-4). He points to Jesus as the supreme example of this mentality, the One who, though God in the flesh, completely denies Himself and went to the cross for others (vv. 5-8).
“And Cain said to the Lord, ‘My punishment is greater than I can bear! Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me’” (Genesis 4:13-14). All who live in this world will have to deal with sorrow. It is inevitable. In an environment where sin is a reality, the temporal consequences of sin are unavoidable — and since sorrow is one of those consequences, we shall have to deal with it sooner or later. The only question is how we shall do so.
Two weeks ago, the following challenge was given:
Beginning today and each day until Thanksgiving, write down five blessings you enjoy in your life and give thanks for these in your prayers. Secondly, commit yourself to make no complaint or grumbling at least until Thanksgiving dinner. This means no grumbling about traffic, bills, government actions, or the like. It won’t be easy; are you up to it?
Did you take the challenge? If so, how did you do? The first part was likely easy; we are a people rich with blessings from God both spiritually and physically. However, the second may have proved more difficult; many things occur throughout each day that can elicit complaints with little forethought. If a few days of complaint free living proves difficult, is it possible to develop a lifestyle that remains free of it? The answer to this question is yes; although, a great deal of self-control is essential.
Don’t grow alarmed! This is not a call to give up turkey or forgo the dessert table at Grandma’s house; it is much more challenging.
As its very name implies, Thanksgiving is a holiday dedicated to remembering just how blessed we are and how important it is to express gratitude for the abundance of blessings. Throughout the years, the traditional way of commemorating our blessings is to gather around a table filled with good food and enjoy time with family and friends. Unless one is tasked with preparing this feast, it is likely one of the most tranquil of American holidays.
