Living Appreciation!

There is much for which we are and ought to be thankful. We express words of thanks to others on various occasions and should also speak words of thanksgiving to God. Those words of thanks reveal we appreciate what we have received. It may be easy to say the words, but is there another way in which gratitude can be sincerely expressed? Yes -- through the act of THANKSLIVING.

This past Wednesday evening I shared a list of six passages with our congregation and as we looked at each one, we first noted what the text indicated was worthy of our thanks. We then began to list the ways in which that sincere gratitude could be ACTIVELY DEMONSTRATED in our daily lives. One of those passages was from Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae.

Paul encouraged…
“(11) May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, (12) GIVING THANKS TO THE FATHER, WHO HAS QUALIFIED YOU TO SHARE IN THE INHERITANCE OF THE SAINTS IN LIGHT. (13) He HAS DELIVERED US from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, (14) in whom WE HAVE REDEMPTION, the FORGIVENESS OF SINS.” ( Colossians 1:11-14 ESV)

For what did Paul indicate thanks should be given? God has “qualified” us for an eternal inheritance. He has also delivered us out of darkness and into the kingdom of Jesus though Whom we have been redeemed and received forgiveness of our sins. Are those not great blessings? Should we not thank God daily for such blessings as these? But how can we translate that thanksgiving into THANKSLIVING?

In verse 10 Paul urged the Colossian brethren to…
“WALK IN A MANNER WORTHY OF THE LORD, fully PLEASING TO HIM, BEARING FRUIT in every good work and INCREASING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.” ( Colossians 1:10 ESV)

If that is the essence of our daily walk our life will be marked by genuine appreciation for the position in which God has placed us. Knowing we have an inheritance we will share, we should be living in such a manner that it is very evident we understand this life is not all there is to our existence. May we live as ones freed from sin, forgiven and appreciative of God for such blessings and for the inheritance to come by living to please Him, bearing fruit to His glory and praise.

Have a great day LIVING A LIFE THAT SHOUTS “THANK YOU”!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Thankfulness