By Cody Anderson
In this day and age, I think it is easy to see that people are quicker to complain than to give thanks or praise. Unfortunately, it is the lifestyle of the world. Paul’s writing in Colossians 3:15-17 addresses how our lifestyles and worship as new creations should be marked by giving thanks. It begins with the recognition of the grace poured out on every creature, and then moves to having the peace of Christ, to dwelling on the Word, and finally, to overflowing into every aspect of life.
The Greek word for “grace” is the root word for “rejoice” or “giving thanks.” When thinking about grace as the unearned favor or gift from God that produces joy, we can easily see that giving thanks is the correct response to grace received. Simply recognizing the grace that has been poured out on you should result in gratitude expressed.
Now looking at Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, it is apparent that the believers of Jesus would be changed in such a way that they would be a thankful people. In chapter 3, he is explaining how the new man will put away the old, selfish nature. Those chosen would be wrapped in the things of God like kindness, humility, and most importantly, love. We then find three verses explaining why, how, and when we are to be thankful.
Colossians 3:15-17 says, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him,” (ESV).
Our identity should be that of thankful people. Everyone who has been graced with the peace of Christ should be a thankful person. If we only had this one thing to be thankful for, we could be thankful for all eternity and never run out of a reason to be thankful. Because of the peace and the calling into one body, we are commanded to be thankful. As we are called to love, to walk in a manner worthy of the calling, and other imperatives, we are also told to be thankful in verse 15. It is a command; it isn’t something we are told to do if we feel like it. We have reasons to be thankful because God is good, faithful, and compassionate. These attributes of God do not change based on our feelings. We should have an attitude of gratitude!
Moving from our personal attitude, we find that it is also the attitude of worship. In verse 16, we see that the word of Christ dwelling richly in the believer is the fuel for worship. Hearts of thankfulness are how we teach, admonish, and sing. People do these things on a daily basis, but when these are powered by thanksgiving, we worship. When we think of the word “dwell,” it isn’t some short vacation or drive-by visit. The word means we rest in peace, settle in deep, or take up residence. A person and church that is rooted richly in the Word will become rich in praise through thanksgiving. The grace that saves also sings.
We move even deeper in the extent of thanksgiving in verse 17. When do we give thanks? The present participle indicated an action that continues in action. It isn’t just when we come to the knowledge of God, when we are found in the Word of God, or in corporate worship. It should be the way we live. Every work and word should carry the fingerprint of grace resulting in praise. There is not a time when we are not to be giving thanks.
Thanksgiving isn’t meant for a season; it is the lifestyle of a believer that overflows from the gratitude of grace that has been poured out from the Father. This season as we focus on Thanksgiving, let it be the beginning of a lifestyle change. Remember the gift of peace in Christ, find yourself much deeper in the Word, and praise God in all things because He is worthy.
This article originally appeared in The Clarion newspaper.
Corinth Baptist Church 