Thanksgiving: Centerpiece of the Faith


(This was part of my letter to my congregation this week)


As we have worked through the topic of prayer on Sunday evenings, I have said regularly that Christians in North America are some of the most whiny, complaining, shrill people there are. We worry about everything, pray about nothing, and complain without ceasing. I would add to this that our social environment in this country is becoming more and more ungrateful. Across the generations – from Boomers and GenX to Millenials and GenZ – we are increasingly thinking we’re entitled and have a right to prosperity, etc. Therefore, we grumble, grouse, and gripe, world without end. 

But Scripture tells us that we Christians are to be some of the most thankful people in our country and community. In fact, thanksgiving is a centerpiece of the Faith. Being a thankful people is a serious, Gospel-driven, Christian trait, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). Notice that receiving the Lord Jesus, being rooted, built up and established in the Faith, and being thankful, all dance together. Thanksgiving is a centerpiece of the Faith. 

Paul will stress this point again when he writes: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:15-17). Thanksgiving is a centerpiece of the Faith. 

Next week, I’ll mention some Biblical items we should give thanks for. But right now, let’s have it settled in our hearts and minds: the Gospel of Jesus Christ should make us to be some of the most thankful people in our world. Thanksgiving is a centerpiece of the Faith. 

Since a few folks like to-do lists, try these out:

ü For every criticism, complaint, grievance or gripe you want to voice (whether it’s about gas prices, the government, legislative initiatives, poor service at the restaurant, or whatever), stop and state three things for which you’re thankful to God.

ü When you find yourself feeling sorry for yourself, pause and recount the reasons you are thankful.

ü In morning devotions, before you ask God for anything, spend two minutes telling him how appreciative you are for what he has done in your life. And be specific.

ü In those moments when your anxiety levels are rising, force your brain and imagination to take a break from feeding the fear-beast, the worry-monster, and use the same brain power and imagination energies to dwell on the good that God has blessed you with. 

Thanksgiving is a centerpiece of the Faith.

Pastor Mike


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