In polite society we are taught to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. However these words teach us more than just good manners. They teach a proper relationship with the giver and can ultimately teach us about our relationship to God.
When God gave life man returned the favor through disobedience. When God gave the world man showed his ingratitude by worshiping it instead of the Creator. When God gave food prideful man saw it as the fruits of their own labor.
Through these sins man would die and God would give man over to the consequence of sin.
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. “ (Romans 1:21)
In this dispensation God has revealed the depths of his wisdom and grace by sending Christ to die for the sins of his enemies.
Through his blood we have received forgiveness of sins, redemption from the kingdom of darkness, justification by faith, sanctification by the spirit, and eternal life in heavenly positions.
Just as in the beginning when God first gave life he now gives life again by his grace and not because we deserved it.
The proper response to God’s grace is thanksgiving.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. “ (Galatians 2:20)
When we realize that what we have is not ours, and the life we live is not our own we are able to express our gratitude for what has been given.
The object of our gratitude is the only proper object of our thanksgiving which is the Living God, the fullness of the Godhead bodily, Jesus Christ.
Submitting ourselves to God, trusting in his grace, and living a life of richness is what God had always intended.
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim 1:16)
Yet even in times of financial or physical crisis, ultimately a result of our own sin, we are still able to give thanks to God for his wisdom in salvation and provision of eternal life.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
An article from Justin Johnson
Graceambassadors.com
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