Neither Seasonal nor Optional
I understand that most of us are fairly (or quite) busy this week. We are doing things that, hopefully, will enable us to enjoy the day on our calendars designated as Thanksgiving Day.
For that reason, I won’t write something here that will take much of your time to read. It might suggest something to all of us, though, that we might want to take some time to consider.
The phrase I have in mind and which shall serve as the concussion to my thoughts is included in some very direct statements found in the Bible. None of them appear to be suggestions.
During this time of the year, we are reminded about many things that are related to thanksgiving. We are reminded, for example, that it should not be limited to one day and/or one season of the year. We are reminded that thanksgiving is more of an attitude than it is a celebration. It may be more accurate to say that it is described as something we do because of our attitude. Sometimes, we are encouraged to think about or even to make a list of all of the things for which we should be thankful.
While all of this – and more – could be said about thanksgiving, I will try to honor my statement earlier that this would be a very short post. In the interest of brevity, I would merely ask that you look at what could be considered a “list” of things that are to characterize “…the new man…” (Col. 3:10). That list begins in Col. 3:12 and continues for quite a few verses.
Once again, that “list” does not include things that appear to me to be mere suggestions. They are not, at all, optional for Christians. Here is one of those things that you will find in verse 15…
…be ye thankful
AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
