As Thanksgiving approaches, we think about things we are thankful for. So, what are you thankful for this year? There’s not a wrong answer to this question, for thankfulness is largely personal. While some are thankful for the cooler temperatures and the snow, others long for the milder fall weather. Some are thankful for the approaching holidays, while others dread it.
Yet, thankfulness is not purely subjective. Scripture reveals an absolute about thankfulness that is important for us to consider, “in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) These words seem to be counterintuitive. Everything we know and feel tells us to be thankful for what we believe to be good and justified in complaining about our trials and troubles. So, how can we “give thanks to God” no matter the circumstances?
The answer is found in understanding the difference between the two types of thankfulness: relative and absolute. Most of the time, we think and live in relative thankfulness because it is easier and more natural. Relative thankfulness is rooted in comparing our circumstances to others. "I have this, or I don’t struggle with that, which means that I am better off than someone else, and therefore I'm thankful."
But how is that working? Do such comparisons bring lasting joy or thankfulness? We know that basing our thankfulness, our joy, on a comparison to others often leaves us unfulfilled. The relative thankfulness we encounter in this world is nothing more than a distraction from the pure thankfulness we need. What we need is absolute thankfulness.
However, absolute thankfulness is much harder to cultivate because it requires a constant state of thankfulness to support us regardless of what is happening in our lives (good, bad, ugly). Living in absolute thankfulness will disarm circumstances from having any power over us, and it will allow us to see difficulties as opportunities to grow. Having absolute thankfulness makes it possible for me to be thankful and content, regardless of the winds of the times.
Absolute thankfulness takes the form of "all is well," "I am blessed," "I am whole," "I am fortunate," or "I am in abundance," despite what others may have or do. So, how can I find absolute thankfulness? By remembering the eternal promises we have in Christ.
We know that there is a difference between the eternal and the temporal. But living in this physical world can deceive us into believing that the temporal is more real than the eternal. However, for me to be truly thankful, I must find something to hope in beyond what is before me. Only when my eyes are fixed on Christ am I able to live in eternal, absolute thankfulness.
It begins by, letting “the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.” (Col 3:16a) The message is more than a word of knowledge; it is seen in Christ, who reveals God’s love for us. “God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) To what end? To give us life. “But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much he made us alive with Christ, and God's gift of undeserved grace is what saves you.” (Ephesians 2:5) God’s gift of undeserved grace is what saves and gives us something to be thankful for.
I am not thankful for the wage that I have earned. Appreciative, yes, but not thankful. However, should I receive a priceless, unmerited gift, I am not only thankful for it but humbled too. Our thoughts immediately go to, “It’s too much, I don’t deserve this!” But a gift, by definition, is undeserved. It is pride that causes us to want to receive only what we deserve. We don’t want any charity! However, only a fool wants the wage they have earned before God, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
What can I be thankful for this Thanksgiving? Yes, I’m thankful for family and friends, for a home and a good meal, but more than this, I am thankful for the eternal hope that I have in Christ. Living in this hope not only gives me new life but also an absolute thankfulness that can never be taken away. Now, because of Christ, I can be thankful in all things.
Comments