“Giving Thanks Always”

Giving thanks ALWAYS for ALL things… —Ephesians 5:20

This Thursday is Thanksgiving. While this is my favorite time of the year I must confess I have a slight problem with a special day called “Thanksgiving.” It’s as if you can cuss, spit, complain, and be ungrateful 364 days of the year, but on the fourth Thursday of November, you need to put forth extra effort to be “thankful.”

I have the same problem with “Pastor Appreciation Day” (it was October 9th in case you missed it!). What subtle message does this convey??? You can treat the pastor like dirt all year long, but on the second Sunday of October, try hard to be nice to him (1 Thess. 5:12-13)!

Or, what about “Good Neighbor Day” (fourth Sunday in September)? Is this the only day of the year we are obligated “love thy neighbor” (Lev. 19:18), and the rest of the year we can be lousy neighbors?

Why do we have to set aside a special day to do what we should be doing all year long? Is it to make us feel guilty for not doing what we supposed to be doing anyway?

Don’t get me wrong… I like Thanksgiving Day. I am thankful and I will be thankful for all God’s blessings this Thanksgiving (and the day after Thanksgiving too!).

Our text teaches: Thanksgiving must be more than just a date on a calendar! Let’s be thankful 24/7 all year long!