The restaurant was crowded. Just as an older man was about to begin his meal, a younger man approached him and asked if he could join him at his table. “Sure, have a seat,” the older gentleman said. Then, as was his custom, he bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the young fellow asked, “Do you have a headache?” He replied, “No, I don’t.” ”Well, is there something wrong with your food?” “No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat.”
The younger fellow said, “Oh, you’re one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don’t have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!” The older man paused for a moment and then said, “Yes, you’re just like my dog. That’s what he does too!”
Thankfulness could well be the finest sentiment of man – and also the rarest. We should be thankful for the good things we have, and for the bad things we don’t have. It isn’t what is in our pocked that should make us thankful, but what we have in our heart.
Christians are told to give thanks for all things (Ephesians 5:20), in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and for all men (1 Timothy 2:1). Obviously, without God’s help no one could do this. But those believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit can/should follow these directives (Ephesians 5:18) if they want to do God’s will for their lives.
Among the many things for which a Christian can/should be thankful are the following: He is -
A Child Of God. Not until a person has “been born again from above” does he/she become a true child of God (John 1:12; 3:3, 5, 7). All others are called the “children of the devil” (1 John 5:10; John 8:44). He even has mature sons of disobedience who are quick to do his bidding (Ephesians 2:2).
A Joint Heir. Imagine this for a moment. Those who are God’s true children will inherit everything that Christ Himself inherits from God the Father (Romans 8:17; Psalm 2:8). And since all true Christians suffer with Christ to some degree, they will be glorified with Him too.
A New Creation. Contrary to what some peole have been taught, each Christian doesn’t become a “new creation” in himself. Rather he/she becomes a part of a new creation called “The Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). It consists of Jewish and Gentile people who trust in Christ as their personal Savior through the message of the Gospel (Ephesians 2:14-17; Romans 1:16, 17). Jesus Christ is the only Head and true Christians are the members of His “Body” also known as “The Church” (Ephesians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
A Saint. Believe it or not, the carnal Christians in Corinth were called “saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2). And yet, many of them weren’t acting like saints at all. “In the New Testament the word ‘saint’ always refers to a sanctified person, one set apart to God inviolable for His possession and service.” – Dr. C. I. Scofield. Obviously, this refers to his position, not to the daily practice of the believer. The Apostle Peter admonished believers to be holy (i.e. morally pure) in their behavior (1 Peter 1:15, 16).
Accepted. Too many people today, including many children, have never felt accepted by others including the members of their own families. But that isn’t true of God’s children. They are accepted exactly as Jesus was accepted back to the Father in heaven after His death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:6). God the Father was satisfied with the payment that God the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) made on our behalf by dying for our sins (1 John 2:2). He proved Jesus’ acceptance by raising Him from the dead and having Him sit at His (i.e. God the Father’s) right hand in heaven (Romans 4:25; Ephesians 1:20). We who were responsible for Christ’s death (Acts 3:14, 15; 4:27), and who were as guilty in God’s sight as the Roman soldiers who nailed Him to the cross (Luke 23:34), have been and are accepted by God. That is absolutely amazing grace.
Un-condemned. There is no condemnation to those who are “in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). There is no way that God’s true children could be condemned again and end up in hell. “He who believes in [the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior] is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name (i.e. the person and work) of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).
Secure. Song writer Lina Sandell penned these words: “More secure is no one ever / Than the loved ones of the Savior; / Not yon star, on high abiding / Nor the bird in home-nest hiding.” Jesus said, “And I give them (i.e. believers) eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:28, 29). The Apostle Paul wrote these words to Christians, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).
A Citizen. Although the Christian is a temporary citizen on earth, he/she is also a citizen of heaven and needs to conduct himself/herself as one (Philippians 3:20). We must obey the laws of the land in which we live and God’s laws that are addressed to New Testament believers (Romans 13:1-7; John 13 – Revelation 3). Refer to our “Dispensational Chart” on our web site for more information about our rules for living.
Question. Can you honestly say, “For by grace [I] have been saved through faith [in Christ alone], and that not of [myself]; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest [I] should boast. For [I] am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that [I] should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10)?
Do you believe that Christ died for your sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again [bodily] the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by [many witnesses]” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4)?
If you haven’t trusted in Him yet, will you do it right now? Once you believe on Him, you can/should demonstrate your faith in Christ by being baptized (immersed). It will enable you to have a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21).
If you have been saved, are you telling others about Jesus and giving them an opportunity to trust in Him too for their salvation? If not, why? “The Gospel is only Good News if it gets there on time.” – C. F. Henry. Don’t delay! Share it today!
Are you doing the good works He planned for you to do (1 Peter 4:10)? Are you a F.A.T.F.R.E.E. Christian? Faithful, Available, Teachable, Flexible, Resilient, Evangelistic, Enthusiastic
If you have questions and/or comments, we invite you to contact us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site for more information about: “How to be saved and know it”, “How to grow in the Lord,” “How to serve God effectively with your spiritual gift,” and “How to share your faith with others.” Go to www.kelseypeach.com
