Monday, June 11, 2007

Bits & Pieces: Gratitude (10)

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father," (Colossians 3:15--17).

* Three times in three verses the apostle Paul commands and assumes our giving of thanks. In our innermost thoughts, in the songs we sing, in all that we do or say, we're to have an attitude of gratitude.
Why so important? Because when we are thankful, we humbly acknowledge our dependence upon our Lord's provision. And then He receives the deserved credit.

* In each of these verses, the apostle Paul either commands or assumes our thanksgiving.
Why should an attitude of gratitude pervade our daily thoughts, words, and deeds? Because humility is blessed by God, and giving thanks strikes at the heart of prideful independence.

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