Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray without ceasing, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Though we might debate about the extent to which it is happening, few if any would argue the fact that America’s attention span is growing ever shorter. It’s not enought for us to get the news, we barely listen to a talking head, picking up major details while we glance at the news-ticker racing across the bottom of the screen as we check our e-mail and talk on the cell-phone. We want things in byte-sized portions and we want them quickly.

This fits well with the way we even celebrate our holidays. For most, Thanksgiving really isn’t about giving thanks at all. It’s about saying the obligatory once a year thanks for all the neat stuff we have, follwed by several hours of gluttony, followed by a period of slothfulness in front of a football game, all the while preparing for a day of non-stop materialism as the year’s best sales hit the floor. We set aside one day out of 365 for giving thanks and then we pat ourselves on the back for being so humble that we can take time from our busy lives, “just to give thanks.”

This will not do for those who claim to have something for which to truly be thanksful. For the believer, one day of thanks is not sufficient. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul lists three characteristics which are to mark the identity of the Believer, culminating with the admonition that we “give thanks in all circumstances.”

We look at these admonitions, that we rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances and we either lower the standard, because of course Paul can’t mean that we are to always do these things, can he? Or we try to redefine what they mean; pray without ceasing just means that we should pray as often as we remember to, right? Wrong. Another common reaction is that we become discouraged, recognizing the high bar that Scripture sets for the Christian life. Instead, we should see such texts as wonderful encouragements, describing for us the blessing that ought to be the Christian life. Who wouldn’t want to rejoice always, experience fulfilling relationship always with God and, instead of being driven by greed and gluttony, dwell in humble gratitude?

Christians are admonished to give thanks always and in every circumstance. And when we realize the glorious truth that is the Gospel, that God did not spare His own Son, but gave Him over for us all (Romans 8:32) and that in Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14) and we are even made heirs of God’s treasures (Romans 8:17).

This Thanksgiving, as we sit down to family, friends and fellowship, it is appropriate that we take stock of our lives and give thanks for the many blessings we have. But it must not end there; this Thanksgiving, and every day, we must overflow with gratitude with the glorious Gospel of grace that God has delivered through His Son.

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