What does it mean to give thanks? Literally, giving thanks means expressing heartfelt gratitude. The word "gratitude" comes from the Latin word "gratia" which means "favor" or "grace."
Beware of is the graceless thanks of the Pharisee. In Luke 18:10-13, Jesus teaches,
"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'"
The Pharisee does not understand what the grace of God is. He believes he is better than everyone else, and his judgmental words are full of self-righteousness.
The thankfulness of believers is an expression of the grace that we receive from the great God who freely gives it to us (gratis!).
With this in mind, what are you thankful for in 2011?
Reach deep down into yourself, beyond the automatic and polite utterance of the words "thank you," and discover what you are really thankful for. It's easy to say the obvious things like, "I'm thankful for my healthy family," or "I'm thankful for my great job."
I am thankful for God's unfailing grace and faithfulness to me. This radiates out to everything. The health of my family, good or not-so-good, demonstrates God's grace and faithfulness. My job and the income I earn is a result of God's grace and faithfulness.
When we can see how God's grace is working in our lives, we can connect the dots and shine the light on his faithfulness.
God's grace and faithfulness leads to God's peace which benefits ourselves AND the church. Paul tells the Colossian church in Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Be thankful. Everyday.
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