Before We Get Gathered
Number 5: November 24, 2005
Today is the American holiday of Thanksgiving. Many nations have adopted this custom. They have set aside a day in which to be thankful. Thanksgiving is really a godly holiday, which should be celebrated every day, not just on the fourth Thursday in November. It is an attitude that we should learn to cultivate the entire year.
I Thessalonians 5:18:
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
In everything that is according to the truths of the Bible, we are to give thanks. The book of Ephesians tells us who we are to give thanks toward and in whose name.
Ephesians 5:20:
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the sports section of our local paper recently there was an article about an Ohio high school football player who had overcome a “little” obstacle to play football; he has no legs. There is a picture of Colonel White High School’s Bobby Martin, all 3-foot-1 inch, 117 pounds of him. He looks like any other football player pictured in full football gear from his thigh stubs up.
Since his wheelchair and prosthetic legs were too slow, he usually gets around on an enlarged skateboard or by “running” on his right hip which is bigger than his left. When running, it is said that he looks like a skier half-buried in an avalanche. He was just named homecoming king at his school. Out of school he works on cars.
“I have no disability. I can do anything everyone else does.” “I want to inspire people to get out and do something.”
These quotes are indicative of his attitude toward life. He is thankful that he has life and that he can enjoy it, no matter what the world may say. He is not sitting around feeling sorry for himself. His goals are to be a computer programmer and to have children someday.
As God’s children, we have plenty to be thankful for, no matter what shortcomings or liabilities we may have. We have the spirit of God born within us. We have direct access to God Almighty.
I Peter 1:23:
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Thankfulness is an attitude of the heart. Are we putting God’s Word into our hearts and minds and being thankful; or are we using the excuses that the world feeds us, to not even try in this life? It is our decision daily, but thankfulness is a start toward moving forward in a godly life.