Here’s an article I wrote for our church’s newsletter, the Edifier:
As we near the end of the book of Hebrews on Sunday mornings, it’s been interesting to note how the theme of gratitude has popped up a few times. And, as we end another year at Crestview, it’s good to be reminded that gratitude is the attitude we must employ, as well.
In Hebrews 12:28, we were urged to “be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Gratitude in Christ’s work for us propels us to be a worshipper rightly relating to God in fear and adoration. In Hebrews 13:15, we were called to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.” These words “sacrifice of praise,” also occur in an ancient OT translation of Leviticus 7:12, speaking of the highest form of a peace offering that was offered under the Old Covenant. The purpose of this offering was to express gratitude to God for removing the sin of the worshipper. Offering up gratitude to God, then, is seen as we acknowledge who God is (Hebrews 13:15) and give ourselves in service to others (Hebrews 13:16). In light of all that God’s done for believers through Christ, we should respond with gratitude, with grateful hearts that God’s given us what we don’t deserve.
All of this is very timely for us as a people. First, there’s the political arena. We have a huge election coming up in our country. On November 6, we have the privilege (and responsibility!) in our democratic republic to make decisions and select leaders. And, if our heart is not oriented to God properly, we can easily become anxious, worried and wonder what will happen if something we didn’t vote for is passed. I’ve also found that when I’m grumbling, complaining, finding fault with other people or the various processes inside and outside the church, my heart hasn’t been well-nurtured in the streams of gratitude. God, in His grace, then, allows our hearts to be exposed in things like a national election. Guard your heart. Nurture it in gratitude to God and make decisions at the ballot box accordingly.
Secondly, this also relates to end of year decisions in the church. While we are led by elders, the congregation gets to participate in affirming leaders and a budget each year. On December 9, after the AM service, our members will gather to affirm recommendations from the leaders. Hebrews 13:17 urges us to “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” How is this possible? Again, we can only live rightly in the church with a spirit of gratitude to God. Recognizing the blessings He’s given will help us to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Without gratitude, we’ll complain and voice our opinions in ways that might not be the most helpful for the good of the whole. With gratitude, our words will be seasoned with grace and, hopefully, bless the ones who serve us so joyfully.
Finally, we have Christmas. I know it seems like it’s a long time from now, but it will be here soon. Gratitude to God for Christ will keep our hearts and minds directed to glorify God through a busy holiday season. When we are consumed with the presents and activities and not mindful of all that God launched into motion in sending His Son, we will be grumbling, complaining Scrooges. But, hearts nurtured by gratefulness to God will truly be able to celebrate the good news of great joy for all people: a Savior is born.
Therefore, I hope you are full of gratitude as this year comes to an end so that we might be a people who glorify and enjoy God, forever.