OUR DUTY OF GIVING THANKS
Since we are entering the Thanksgiving season, we need to reflect upon the many blessings we have received from God and worship Him. Also, to take the time to thank others who have blessed us. With so much said in the Bible about "giving thanks." It is a sin against God not to worship Him and ingratitude to others. Our circumstances in life may not be perfect or even according to our desires, but there is much for which to be thankful. I am reminded of the story of a person who complained about his legs until one day he met a man who had no legs. Instead of thinking, or complaining about the things we don’t have, just thank God for what we do have. His blessings maketh us rich.
Paul in Ephesians 5:20 said, "giving thanks for all things." Again, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, he said, "In everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ concerning you." This can only be done by the Holy Spirit. Thanksgiving is more than a legal Holiday, it is a family time when everyone gathers around the table to feast on turkey and all other goodies. But above everything else, it is a deep sense of appreciation to God, Who gives us all things. The expression of Thanksgiving is a spiritual experience with God that we should do daily. The words, "thank you" are two of the easiest words to say, yet two of the most neglected words in our vocabulary. When we have nothing to pay or give in exchange for service rendered or gift; the words, "thank you," is often enough. Many debts have been canceled by a thank you.
I read a story that I would to share with you that illustrates how important it is to say "thank you". In 1860, on a night during the fall season, a steamboat, by the name, "Lady Elgin", broke up and began to sink. This happened about one mile from the shore. There were 393 persons on board. There were 114 survivors and 279 perished. There was a young man named Edward Spencer, a Northwestern student, who entered the water time and again and rescued l7 of the 114 survivors. He was a strong swimmer, but after 17 trips, he became seriously ill from the physical strain. He asked those around him, "did I do my best?" As a result of the strain on his body, he became sick and confined to a wheel chair for life. Many years later while celebrating his birthday, a reporter asked, "what do you remember most about that heroic night?" His answer was, "I remember that not one of the 17 returned to thank me."
The Bible states that in the last days that a spirit of unthankfulness will prevail. In 2 Timothy 3 Paul tells us that there will be perilous times. One of the sins is "unthankfulness." In Romans 1 Paul describes the wickedness of the world that will deserve the wrath of God, and unthankfulness was one of them.
In Luke 17:11-19 we have a story of how Jesus healed 10 lepers of their leprosy. Leprosy was an incurable disease and ended in a painful and horrible death. As Jesus entered the village, they cried, "master have mercy on us." He said, "go show yourself to the priest and as they went they were cleansed." One, a Samaritan, returned when he saw that he was cleansed and falling at Jesus’ feet gave Him thanks and worshipped Him. Jesus asked, "were there not 10?; where are the nine?" Too often we are ready to receive from God and others without a thank you.
In Revelation 4:9 we have a picture of the saints in heaven following the rapture worshipping Jesus with "thanksgiving." In Revelation 7:12 we have a multitude without number worshipping the Lamb with thanksgiving.
There are many scriptures that tell us to worship God with thanksgiving and to offer our offerings of thanksgiving, but time and space will not allow me to print them. However, there is sufficient proof that Thanksgiving is a command and not just a duty.
Is there someone that you would like to thank during these wonderful days?
God bless you and may everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.