Two Fundamental Attributes of a Thankful Spirit
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us (Ps. 124:1-2 KJV)
The scripture abounds with exhortations to give thanks unto the Lord, primarily as a believer in Christ. In fact, in 1 Thes. 5:18, the scripture tells us plainly it is the will of God for us to give thanks in every situation we find ourselves in( NB. Not for everything). There are two fundament attributes that better define the sphere of thanksgiving. They are “response” and “attribute.”
Thanksgiving is a response by itself. A response is slightly different from a simple action. It is an action in reaction to an action that God has taken. A response is a secondary action. Thanksgiving is a response to the kindness and goodness of God in our lives. God took the first step as an action, and we respond secondarily in a reaction. Every human response to God has two aspects: the heart state and a natural expression. These two parts must be present to form the whole. Thanksgiving in the heart without expression is dead, just like faith and love. Thanksgiving expressed in words or actions without the right heart attitude is emptiness.
Secondly, thanksgiving is an attitude in life. It is not a momentary outburst of emotions of gratitude to God when something good happens to us. It is an attitude of gratitude to God, every day and every hour.
An attitude of having a response of gratitude for the goodness of God on a continual basis is what God is looking for in your life.
MEDITATE
Can someone say “thank you” without meaning it in the heart? Does that matter to God?
APPLY THE WORD
Thanksgiving should be your daily Christian attitude in life. Cultivate this spiritual virtue. Learn to be grateful to God for the natural and spiritual blessings. You can start today. I mean now! Give thanksgiving an expression as you think about God’s goodness in your life and give expression to that recognition.
PRAY
Ask the Lord to help you cultivate a grateful spirit on a daily basis.
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