November 13, 2024

We are about two weeks away from a truly spectacular day Thanksgiving. I’ve always felt a bit sad for atheists who on every Thanksgiving have no One to thank. In spite of the fact that complaining does seem to be our national pastime, there is still an instinct somewhere (hidden at times) in the human psyche to give thanks. We certainly benefit from the kindness of others and even the difficulties of others to fuel some worthwhile thanksgiving on our part. Speaking of which…

Complaining is toxic for you, for those around you, and is actually an act of unbelief in the goodness and wisdom of God. One of the most effective ways of displaying the gospel is by not complaining. It is not easy since complaining seems to dominate so many conversations. Think about Philippians 2:14-15.

“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world….”

“All things” means that there is no place for complaining in the life of a believer at any time or place.

“Without grumbling or questioning” means that I need to guard not only my mouth, but my heart from thinking that God got something wrong.

“That you may be blameless…without blemish in the midst of a crooked … generation, among whom you shine as lights….” means that when you do not complain your life shines like a million-watt lighthouse in the night. The contrast between your life and those around you forces others to notice.

The Lord has put people in our lives who have circumstances that are challenging. When they fail to grumble, but instead rejoice in the ways that God has been good to them, we are blessed. In reading this passage, you would think that Paul was writing this to believers who were in prison and he did not want them to give into stinkin’ thinkin’. However, Paul is the one who is in prison and he lives with the real possibility that he could be executed, yet he is the one exhorting them (and us) to cultivate rejoicing and thanksgiving in our lives.

If you were to run the Turkey Trot in Detroit on Thanksgiving morning, you had better do some training long before the night before. The same thing is true for the actual purpose of the holiday. If we are going to enjoy and celebrate that Day as intended, we need to be practicing thanksgiving now. Start by asking the Spirit of God to make you aware of your complaining (words or thoughts). Ask God to help you stop the complaining words from coming out of your mouth. Ask for help from brothers or sisters who are around you to kindly point out when you are giving in to complaining. Then make a thanksgiving list and review it in prayer to God and in conversations with others. When you eat a meal with others (particularly family) give thanks for the food and for some things on your list. By the time Thanksgiving Day comes, your light will be a bit brighter and like Paul was for the believers and the believers for Paul, we will all be more encouraged and will have even more reasons to rejoice.

Thankful,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: Luke 9:49-50