In Paul's epistle to Rome, he starts out with a claim: "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness." (Rom 1:18) In what way have we suppressed the truth? Well, we've ignored what God tells us about Himself (Rom 1:19-20). And then we read this:
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Rom 1:21)The way, then, that we've suppressed the truth in unrighteousness is that we've failed to honor God as God or give thanks.
Really? "Give thanks"? Is that so bad? I mean, look, isn't that what we expect from people? You buy your child a gift and do you expect thanks? No. So why does God expect it of us? Because He's God. Because it's right.
The fact is that this results in "the wrath of God" -- the big, big problem for sinful mankind. It's why sin results in death. It's why Christ had to die. A failure to honor God (Rom 3:23) and thank Him meant that our only hope lies in His propitiation -- His appeasement of the righteous wrath of God toward us.
But, look, I write primarily to Christians. So that's not us, right? I mean, it was but no longer ... right?
So we're heading into a holiday aimed at giving thanks. As if that's enough. As if that's all that is required. Instead of "In everything give thanks" (1 Thess 5:18), we're tempted to think we're okay with a hearty day of giving thanks. But if we know who God is, if we honor Him as God, it would seem to me that "in everything" would be much, much bigger than the last Thursday in November.
So, how about this? Let's give thanks. Today. Tomorrow. All week. Then do it again. And again. Over and over. I guarantee it is not possible to actually run out of things for which to give thanks ... since that's supposed to be "in everything", right? Starting now.
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