Bulletin Articles: Full Article for Record Number 1021
"In Everything Give Thanks"
by Larry Ray Hafley
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thess. 5:18).
One of the first signs signifying Gentile apostasy was that they were not thankful. "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened" (Rom. 1:21).
Our world today does not glorify God. They do not recognize him as God. Obviously, such folks will not give thanks to a being in whom they do not believe. This is why we see men who indulge their appetites and satiate their senses without a thought of appreciation. Gratitude is not part of their thinking. Besides, a grateful heart is looked upon as a sign of weakness. Self sufficiency breeds pride, and pride is haughty. A haughty heart is never thankful.
Thus, the Christian must cultivate a thankful spirit. "In everything give thanks." Knowing God’s power, fearing him, and respecting his word-these are all attributes of humility, begotten by the knowledge of God. What child of God can consider what he has done for us and not be eternally grateful?
Often, little children are taught to say, "please," and "thank you," but by the time they approach their teen years, at the very time when they are most needed, such courtesies are forgotten. Why is that, parents?
Could it be with some that their hearts are not in it? "Little ones" are "so cute" when they learn to be polite, but, later, "minding your manners" is discarded like a toy the day after Christmas. It takes consistent training to develop a thankful disposition. Do not cease the instruction after the first grade.
Have you ever noticed that thankful people are kind and caring? Have you ever noticed that unthankful people are rude and inconsiderate?
Finally, note that the apostle says, "for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Hence, thankfulness is not an option. It is not something we can choose or not choose. So, "let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Col. 3:15).
