Give Thanks

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:18 NIV)

One of the most offensive personal habits that we observe in other people is whenever someone (or ourselves) behaves with an attitude of in-gratitude. When parents give nice presents to their children, they love to see a look of gratitude even if there is no audible expression of thanks.

The good habit of showing gratitude is acquired through observation and learning. Like other good character traits, we learn to give thanks by observing our parents and others around us whom we love and respect. When children see us being sincerely thankful, they will grow up to be thankful.

Children also learn to be cynical whiners and complainers in much the same manner. If all our kids ever hear from us is complaining words like "What have you done for me lately?", or "What has this country ever done for me?", or "What has God ever done for me?" -- Then they likely will demonstrate the same character flaw of a cynical dependent when they are adults.

I loved to spend my summers as a boy on Uncle Harold's farm out on the South Fork of the Yadkin River. He and Aunt Lucille worked tirelessly producing various vegetables, milking cows, making cheese and butter, feeding hogs, and selling flue-cured tobacco for a little cash. It was a joy to work alongside my uncle as he plowed the hard clay soil of the Piedmont. In addition to all that, they both worked at the mill in Cooleemee. One pleasant memory is when we would sit down for a meal, and he or she would say a detailed prayer of thanksgiving even when the food on the table might be very meager. They did not gripe or complain about their circumstances the way many folks do these days.

This Thanksgiving, let us resolve to be more thankful as individuals, as families, as citizens of America and the world, and as God's people. Thankfulness is a wonderful legacy that we can pass down to our children and grandchildren. We should never be too proud and self-sufficient to thank God for the many blessings we enjoy each day. Instead of boasting about everything we have accomplished with our own hands, we should humble ourselves and pray for God's continued mercy.

Long ago, God parted the Red Sea and the children of Israel were saved from the Egyptian army – their former captors. We read in Exodus 15 the great song of Moses. The people joined him in expressing thanks to God. Their song of praise began like this: "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." (Exodus 15:1b-2 NIV) Evidently, Miriam – the sister of Moses was blessed with musical talents. She took up her tambourine, composed a song, and got others to join her in singing and dancing to the Lord for giving them freedom from their captors. God help us to have this same fervor in showing our thanks to God for the rich blessing of living in America!

The people of Israel showed their thanks to God by bringing a portion of every material blessing to the tabernacle or temple. Their gifts were dedicated to the glory to God. We do the same thing today when we bring our unselfish gifts to our place of worship, and to the poor. As we bring our gifts, we show our thankfulness and dependence upon Almighty God.

The gifts we bring to the place of worship and our gifts to the poor are a barometer of our heartfelt thanksgiving. How thankful are we? "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV)

You are encouraged to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments. David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com.