Be Ye Thankful

Edward White wrote this piece which appeared in the August 1, 1970 edition of the "Bible Herald", which was published by the Bible Herald Corporation and edited by Clifton Inman.

The great apostle to the Gentiles admonished, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Colossians 3:15). It is to the admonition "be ye thankful" that your attention is directed in this study. Probably one of the most common sins among men is the sin of ingratitude.

Luke records that Jesus came to a certain village where He was met by ten lepers who pleaded with Him, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." The Master replied, "God show yourselves unto the priests." As they went, they discovered that their leprosy had been healed. One of the ten returned in gratitude and fell down on his face before the Lord. Jesus said to this grateful man, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" (Luke 17:11-19). the man who returned to express gratitude to Jesus was a Samaritan, a man whom the others despised. But this Samaritan demonstrated a quality which the others did not exhibit.

Like the nine ungrateful lepers, many today soon forget the source of their blessings. We fail to remember that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:18). In a time of abundance, it is so easy to forget. However, if God were suddenly to withhold His blessings, all of us would be in a hopeless state. There is an amusing incident told about the little boy who was saying his prayers. After asking that God bless Mother, Father, etc., he said, "And please God, take care of yourself for if anything happened to you we would all be sunk."

People need to cultivate a sense of gratitude and to learn to express appreciation for all favors shown them. Above all, thanksgiving should be expressed to God. The Christian's life should be filled with thanksgiving. Paul wrote, "Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (First Thessalonians 5:17-18). It is better to give thanks than to complain; it is better to be grateful than to be a grumbler. Paul admonished the Christians in this manner, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). Certainly none of us can say that he is as grateful as he ought to be.

The words "thank you" are tending to disappear from our vocabularies. People often fail to have the Christian courtesy to express gratitude for the many gratuities with which they are favored daily. There seems to be a growing feeling that people are obligated to do things for us. The world owes us everything, we think, but there is nothing due in return - not even an expression of gratitude. An expression of thanks is a courtesy that is greatly appreciated by the recipient. People find it a pleasure to do things for those who are grateful, but how hard it is to give favors to an ingrate. Jesus was impressed by the fact that a Samaritan was grateful for his healing, but He marvelled at the lack of gratitude of those who called themselves the real children of God.

How many things we have to be thankful for! If I may be personal, I am thankful for my personal health. Other than a six-day hospitalization or an appendectomy, I have had very little need for doctors and medical services. I am thankful for my wife and four sons, as well as a granddaughter, all of whom are in good health. I am also grateful for two wonderful daughters-in-law.

I am grateful for my parents who gave me life, who provided for me when I could not help myself, who gave me guiding principles upon which to build my life. I am thankful for the encouragement that they have given me in the things that I have tried to do in life. I am also thankful for other relatives who have been a source of help and encouragement. I can never forget my grandfather whose last words of counsel to me were, "Always go straight."

My gratitude goes to many brethren who have been more than generous to me. My brethren are the best people in the world. My family and I have been given money, food, clothing and other items throughout the years while I have tried to preach the Word. I did not deserve these things, and an awareness of this fact makes my gratitude more urgent.

I am grateful for America. In spite of all of her faults, she is still a great nation. My realization of how great America really is was heightened after being outside the country for a period of time. I do not approve of all Americanisms, nor do I approve the actions and decisions of all political leaders. But America is still the greatest country in the world in which to live.

I am grateful for the conveniences and comforts of life which are made possible by someone else. Modern modes of transportation make travel a very simple process. Automatic washers and dryers, automatic dishwashers, electric sweepers and even electric can openers give the modern household an ease of operation that those of a generation ago dare not dream of. Modern homes are now comfortably heated in the winter and cooled in the summer. For all of these comforts I am grateful. I am also grateful for the skill of doctors, nurses and others who help to guard one's physical health and for the facilities which provide comfort and care in time of sickness.

It would be a serious fault in a study of this kind if one should overlook his spiritual blessings. I am grateful for the love of God that motivated Him to send His only begotten Son into the world to save me from the guilt and consequences of sin. I am grateful for Christ's sacrificial death on the old rugged cross.

I am grateful for the church which was bought with His blood, for the revealed Word, for the hope of Heaven and for Christian friends and brethren. I am thankful for those who have taught me to walk in the Lord's way. I am thankful for those Christian martyrs who were willing to die rather than to surrender their faith. I am grateful that the sleep of death will not be forever but that there is a promise of a glorious resurrection.

The list could go on and on. We have so much for which to be grateful. May our hearts overflow with thanksgiving, and may our lips constantly give expressions of gratitude to those to who it is due.