Give God Thanks

Matthew Henry, the 17^th century Bible commentator, said, “Call a man unthankful and there really isn’t anything worse you can say about him.” The old preacher didn’t mince any words, did he? As bold a statement as that is, the dear brother is quite right. No one likes an ungrateful person. We disdain ingratitude in anyone, so there is every reason to think God dislikes ingratitude in us. 

This is why, throughout the Bible, all people everywhere are commanded to be thankful. Not just Christians, but everyone ought to have an attitude of gratitude aimed at first and foremost at God. Whether you confess saving faith in the God of the Bible or not, doesn’t change the fact that the Lord has been good to you. Now, you may not realize that, or you may even deny that, but just the same, God has been beyond gracious to all people on this planet … including you. 

We Americans have so, so much to be thankful for. Yet, we live in a culture that is progressively unthankful. Further still, not only is our self-centered society increasingly ungrateful, a growing number of people refuse to even acknowledge God exists and merits our thanks. This sad reality shouldn’t surprise born-again believers, even if it disappoints us. The Bible clearly states one of the evidences of living in the last days is that men would become increasingly unthankful and deny God (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Yet despite our many national transgressions, God has blessed us all beyond measure, and He is worthy of our heartfelt thanks. 

So, are you thankful? You should be. Parents rightly grow frustrated when their children act entitled and are ungrateful for the things provided for them. Yet, aren’t we all sometimes guilty of acting the same selfish way? When we gripe and grumble about all we do not have, rather than taking the time to thank God for what we do have, it reveals a thankless spirit. In truth, God really is very patient with all our disgruntled murmurings. 

Friend, whether you are a Christian or not, and whether you concede this or not, the God who created you – has been kind and gracious to you, and you owe Him thanks. You may be inclined to disagree with that, but I would ask you to think with me for a moment. If this Thanksgiving Holiday, you do like many families, and spend some measure of time around the table offering thanks for your many blessings in life … to whom are you giving thanks? Seriously, think on that. To whom are you expressing thanks? 

At that overloaded table full of food, with those dishes filled with turkey and dressing (not stuffing) and many other family favorites, remember … those wonderful foods didn’t just magically appear out of nowhere. No, instead someone labored to provide and prepare those things. Hence, it is right and good for you to extend gratitude to those generous hearts and hands.  

In the same vein, your very existence is a gift of God. The air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you consume; your home, your health, your job, your family, and everything else … are all ultimately provided for by God Himself. Yes, you may get up every day and go to work. But who gave you the strength to get out of bed? You may have worked hard to provide for your family. But who gave you the mind and ability to do this? 

Don’t be so irrational as to give thanks for all you enjoy, but aim that thanksgiving to empty air. Instead, humbly acknowledge the God who gave you life, strength, purpose, value and will. None of these things just magically appeared either! 

Folks, it is not enough to be thankful for the stuff we have, we must also be thankful for the God who provides it all. Thanksgiving must be expressed not only for the blessings, but to the Blesser! Yes indeed, be thankful for your many blessings, but remember from Whom all blessings flow! True thanksgiving not only acknowledges those things and people we are thankful for, but also recognizes the One to whom we should ultimately be thankful. 

As the old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, and see what God has done!” I pray you and yours have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving.