My favorite quotation about thanksgiving comes from Matthew Henry (1662-1714), a Presbyterian minister and famous Bible expositor. After he was robbed, Matthew Henry prayed this prayer: “I thank thee first because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed and not I who robbed.”
Matthew Henry demonstrated and lived out a life of thanksgiving. His attitude toward being robbed showed a life of spending time with God and one of being conformed to the image of Christ. His thankfulness that Christ had so changed Him that he had not robbed someone else shows how God works in our lives.
My study of the life of Paul led me to an unexpected conclusion: Paul made living a life of gratitude one of his major emphases. He called upon the churches to demonstrate gratitude in their lives. Paul believed that everything in life should be done with gratitude to God.
Can we do anything less? Christ died for us. Our lives must be lives of gratitude to God.
What would you like to add about a life of thanksgiving? Please leave a comment below.
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One Response
Waylon, reflecting on gratitude and “Thanksgiving” is so important for us, and Paul’s writing to the Phillipians comes to mind, Chapter 4 verse 12:” I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Of course, this is all through a life with Christ. Readers may want to “Google” the story of the “Five Kernels of Corn”, and share the simple story about the Pilgrims who were rationed 5 kernels of corn each day as a portion- each in days of want! And in later years, the story is 5 kernels of corn were placed on each plate in days of plenty as reminders to the early settlers : 1) God’s creation of autumn’s beauty, 2) their love for God and others, 3) their family’s love, 4) their friends especially the Indians who helped them, and 5) their freedom in the New World. Great little story to share with children during Thanksgiving!
Have a Blessed, Wonderful Thanksgiving to ALL!~Ann Kramer