As a little boy, I was taught to address my elders with “Yes, Mam!” and “No,
Sir!” I was taught to say “Thank you” when someone does something nice for you.
And say “You’re Welcome” as the proper response to someone who says “Thank You”
to you. However, I’ve noticed that getting people to say “Thank You” and/or “You’re
Welcome” is like pulling teeth and they when do say “Thank You” it’s burden for
them to say it.
There’s a frown on the face, with a smirk on the lips, followed by a low
whisper of one crying in the wilderness. Or, some just go silent never to
respond.
In no way am I after anybody with this blog about not saying “Thank You!”
However, I do want to remind us that our behavior represents the
teachings we’ve received over our lifetime. And from time to time, we need to
be reminded of how to behave as people and definitely as believers. When we talk about “Christian” behavior, we
are talking about the behavior of those who have accepted, by faith, Jesus
Christ as their Savior and thus are indwelt with His Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9),
making it possible for us to serve God. The “actions” that glorify our Father
in heaven are those that bear much fruit (John 15:8). This is, in fact, how we
show we are His disciples. Indeed, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control
(Galatians 5:22-23)—should be the hallmark of Christian behavior, especially
love.
As well, having a heart of gratitude is just as important in our
behavioral practices as is the Fruits of Spirit. Yes, I used practice with
behavior because you will only do well that which you consistently do
regularly. Having a thankful behavior must be practiced because we can always
find reasons not to be thankful.
Thankfulness is a prominent Bible theme. First Thessalonians 5:16-18
says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Did you catch that? Give
thanks in all circumstances. Thankfulness should be a way of life for us,
naturally flowing from our hearts and mouths.
Digging into the Scriptures a little more deeply, we understand why we
should be thankful and also how to have gratitude in all circumstances. Here are
a few my favorite scriptures…
- Colossians 3:17 ESV - 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. Thankful for a heavenly Father who deserves my best at all times.
- Psalm 136:1 ESV - Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Thankful to God for loving more than I can ever imagine.
- Hebrews 12:28 ESV - Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Thankful to God for being part kingdom that cannot be torn down by anyone or anything.
- Psalm 100:1-5 ESV - A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Thankful to God for His faithfulness to me!
- Psalm 118:28-29 ESV - You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! – Thankful to God for His goodness, mercy, love, and patience with me.
- 1 Cornithians 15:57 NKJV – But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ – Thankful for victory in salvation through Jesus Christ!
These are just a few of my verses but it helps
develop a thankful behavior independent of circumstances.
What are your favorite verses that can develop a
thankful behavior independent of circumstances?
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