The Doorpost: Thanksgiving’s about God, not turkey

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. … For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him...
Romans 1:18,21a

By nature, we are ungrateful. All of us have sinned (Romans 3:23). The sinful acts we did before we were Christians were not an abnormality. They were outward evidence of an inner problem of not honoring God. We didn’t glorify Him. We were ungrateful for everything He had done, so we didn’t give Him thanks.

This changed when we became Christians. We received a new nature. We now can give God the honor He is worthy of, worshiping and serving Him. We can recognize His goodness and kindness toward us and give Him thanks.

Unfortunately, as long as we remain on this earth, some of the original ingratitude remains in each of us. We may worry, focusing on what we don’t like, instead of overflowing with thanksgiving for all of the good things.

We who live in the United States are blessed to be able to share in a heritage where even our government has reminded us to give thanks to God. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day this month, let’s remember that this isn’t about turkey or family or possessions or parades, it’s about the God Who gives these things. And when Thanksgiving Day is over, let’s remember to do God’s will the rest of the year. Let’s be joyful, pray and give thanks to Him—no matter what comes our way.