Are we Called to do Something More than Just be Thankful?

Thanksgiving traditions are a little different for all of us.

I always look forward to a plate of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes all drowned in a sea of gravy. However, I know other people who opt for chicken or ham instead of turkey. Some skip the whole deal and opt for pizza instead! While the celebration might look different from house to house, it is generally accepted that the heart of this holiday is about thankfulness. We may go around the dinner table and have each person share something they are thankful for. Others might just take a time of quiet personal reflection. Either way, Thanksgiving tends to spark anew the need and desire to be thankful.

I have to admit, the practice of being thankful is not always a profound one for me.

It can be easy to acknowledge the need for gratitude. I can come up with a quick list to get the job done: my family, my friends, my puppy, our vehicles, food to eat, the vacation we got to take this year, my husband’s job, the chance to write, and family camping trips. This short list alone reminds me of how blessed I am, yet a key element is missing.

When we read through the Psalms about thankfulness a pattern emerges—it is often attached to the act of praise (Psalm 100:4-5, 106:1, 95:1-3, 69:30, 35:18, 7:17). This realization challenges me. When I take time to be thankful before God, am I doing it to check the box on what I know I should do, or do I allow the acknowledgement of all God has done for me spur me to action? 

According to GotQuestions.org, “to praise it to express adoration or approval…Praise includes acts of blessing, commending, honoring, thanking, celebrating, and rejoicing.” Romans 15:7-11 tells us we bring praise to God when we accept one another. Similarly, Philippians 1:9-11 says God is glorified when we abound in love and grow in knowledge and depth of insight. We are also told living an upright life, doing what we know we should do, is an act of praise to God (Psalm 119:17).

Loving others, growing in knowledge and insight, and choosing to do what is right are all intentional acts.

They are a way of praising God and therefore putting action and dimension to our thankfulness.

So, how does this play out in real life? Consider trying this—when you think of something your are thankful for, ask yourself, “How can you use this to praise God?”

One of God’s blessings I am so very thankful for is our church.

Over the past eleven years, the pastors, staff, and lay leaders have worked tirelessly to help my family and me grow in our walk with God. Through sermons, small groups, Bible studies, weekend retreats, special events, serving opportunities, youth ministry, and kids ministry our family has grown in leaps and bounds in our faith. Beyond teaching us directly, our church has also equipped us to grow in faith ourselves. They have provided tools and resources specially designed for specific ages/stages of life.

Earlier this year, Adam and I were asked to join the kids ministry. There was a need for leaders in the fourth grade room on Sunday mornings. Knowing how much the church has poured into our family, it was an easy “yes”. We were able to take what the church has helped us learn about Christ and pour it back into others. Showing up, teaching, and loving these fourth graders is our way of praising God for something we are so thankful for.

There are as many ways to praise God as there are things to be thankful for.

The key is choosing not to simply acknowledge our blessings but turn them into tools of praise. 

What are some of the things you are most thankful for? How can you use that gratitude to spur you to love and good works that bring glory to God? 

_{Originally posted November 23, 2022}