Fall 2005
Facing Bench

Thanksgiving: The Standard, Substance, and the Secret

The Standard of Thanksgiving
“Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)
The standard of godly thanksgiving is God centered, for He is the Object of our worship and praise; it is Christ channeled, for He is the One who has saved us. As the church we are His children and we express this thanksgiving in our lives.

The Substance of Thanksgiving
“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs...giving thanks.” (Ephesians 5:19-20)
Thanksgiving must not be a hollow exercise, but rather a holy exaltation of truth. Christians express thanksgiving to

teach others about the glory of the Father. This is spiritually profitable because it results in teaching and reverence for Him too. The Scripture says, “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Colossians. 3:16b-17)

The Secret of Thanksgiving
“Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)
One’s capacity to genuinely praise the Father is contingent upon being filled with the Spirit of God. The secret of thanksgiving is found in the reality of being gripped by the Spirit’s influence. Spirit-filled believers have a song of joy in their hearts. God is the Composer, directing each recipient with the specific notes of praise to be expressed daily.

Helen Keller was able to say, “For three things I thank God every day of my life: thanks that he has vouch-safed (granted) me knowledge of his works; deep thanks that he has set in my darkness the lamp of faith; deep, deepest thanks that I have another life to look forward to--a life joyous with light and flowers and heavenly song.”

Friends, as we open our hearts to the Spirit of God, our lives will show thankfulness and our lips will share our thankfulness. There is no greater argument for genuine faith in Christ than a thankful heart.

from Pastor Jody Hill’s “Note from the Pastor” portion of the Deerfield Friends Newsletter.