"…and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

 

As children of God we are the called and elect, the holy and beloved of God.  We are called from different pasts and different cultures; we are all called out of sin.  We are called to oneness in Christ.  We are called to a new attitude within the church, an attitude of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness.  Above all else, we are called to love so that the peace of Christ will rule in our hearts and in the church. (Colossians 3:12-15)

 

And we are called to be thankful – be coming to be thankful.

 

Be coming to be something we naturally are not.  Naturally we are forgetters of past grace and complainers of present circumstances.

 

Be constantly coming to be thankful.  Every day in every way mindful of the rich mercies of God in our lives.

 

Be coming to be thankful, mindful of God's grace and correspondingly gracious to others.

 

But how?  How can we change?  The Apostle tells us:

 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:16-17)

 

Filled with the word of Christ, immersed in the fellowship of the faith within the church, we are enveloped in the recognition of God's grace and live in word and deed in Jesus' name.  All while giving thanks to God through Jesus.  How could we not?

 

Happy Thanksgiving.  Every day.