OPENING ILLUSTRATION: One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad." "Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked. "Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father. The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have a fence around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them."
The boy’s father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are." Isn’t perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have.
INTRODUCTION: As we turn our attention to Colossians 3:15-17, we are reminded of one of the most beautiful and transformative virtues of the Christian life: Thanksgiving. In this brief but powerful passage, the Apostle Paul calls believers to embrace gratitude as an inseparable part of their identity in Christ. It is not just a feeling but a way of life—a daily practice grounded in the peace of Christ, the richness of His Word, and the intentional act of glorifying God in all things.
Thanksgiving is a recurring theme throughout Paul’s letters, but here in Colossians, it takes special prominence. Paul is urging believers to live out their new identity in Christ by cultivating hearts overflowing with thankfulness. Why? Because gratitude is a response to God’s grace. It reminds us of His faithfulness, aligns our hearts with His will, and demonstrates that we trust in His sovereign goodness. Thanksgiving reveals a heart that truly knows and remembers God's presence in every circumstance.
In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, it can be easy to lose sight of our blessings when we are bombarded by challenges, frustrations, or daily demands. However, Paul’s words invite us to pause, look up, and see the countless reasons we have to give thanks in all things. Gratitude is not reserved for when life is easy or abundant—it is something that thrives, even in the midst of trials, because it is rooted in the faithfulness of God.
As we journey through these verses, let us open our hearts to rediscover the power of a thankful life. Let us uncover how the peace of Christ, the Word of God, and a focus on glorifying Jesus come together as the foundation for lives steeped in gratitude. Thanksgiving is not just an action; it is an attitude; a reflection of a life fully anchored in the grace and love of Jesus Christ. May His peace govern our hearts, His Word richly dwell within us, and His name guide all we do, so that we may faithfully give thanks to our loving God.
Let’s open our hearts to God’s Word and allow it to transform how we see Thanksgiving—not merely as a holiday or seasonal tradition, but as a lifestyle of worship and a reflection of our faith.
HOW TO HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE?
1. PEACE AS THE FOUNDATION OF THANKSGIVING (v. 15)
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
To begin our journey of Thanksgiving, we must first allow the peace of Christ to take precedence in our lives. This peace, which surpasses all understanding, guides our hearts and minds, providing a firm foundation for gratitude.
When we let His peace rule, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our circumstances, leading us to a state of continuous gratitude regardless of what we face.
The peace of Christ is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Christ in the midst of our trials. When this divine peace reigns in our hearts, it creates harmony and unity within the body of Christ. Unity and peace in our communities and congregations pave the way for a collective spirit of gratitude. Thanksgiving, after all, flourishes in an environment where Christ's peace governs our hearts and actions.
2. THE RICHNESS OF DWELLING IN THE WORD (v. 16)
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
A heart full of thanksgiving is nurtured by the rich dwelling of Christ's message within us. Immersing ourselves in Scripture enriches our souls, transforms our minds, and shifts our perspective towards a gratitude-oriented outlook. The word of God has the power to illuminate the everyday blessings we often overlook, prompting our hearts to overflow with thankfulness.
To let Christ's word dwell in us richly means to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, allowing its teachings to mold our character, decisions, and perspectives. When the gospel resides deeply within us, it enriches our lives, resulting in a profound sense of gratitude for God's unfathomable grace and mercy. A heart filled with the richness of Christ's word is naturally inclined towards Thanksgiving.
3. THANKSGIVING IN WORD AND DEED (v. 17)
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Gratitude finds its ultimate expression in living a life that honors Christ in word and deed. Our daily activities, no matter how mundane, are opportunities to give thanks through the way we live and love. This perspective transforms our ordinary moments into acts of worship and expressions of deep gratitude towards God for His presence in every aspect of our lives.
Paul concludes with a powerful exhortation to do everything in Jesus' name, accompanied by an attitude of gratitude toward God. This directive uplifts even the most mundane tasks to acts of worship when performed in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Our daily lives, then, become a testament to our appreciation for God's continuous work in and around us.
APPLICATION: CULTIVATING A LIFESTYLE OF THANKSGIVING
Reflecting on these verses challenges us to examine the depth of our gratitude. Are we allowing the peace of Christ to be the umpire of our hearts, especially in turbulent times? Do we cherish the word of Christ within us, letting it enrich our lives and spill over into songs of thankfulness? And in our daily living, are our words and deeds reflective of a heart that's truly grateful for the unmatched sacrifice of Jesus?
Cultivating a lifestyle of Thanksgiving requires intentionality. It's about seeing beyond our immediate circumstances and recognizing the bigger picture of God's work in our lives. It's choosing to focus on the blessings rather than the lacks, seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, and ultimately, it's about giving God the glory due His name in every aspect of our lives.
As we move forward, let the message of Colossians 3:15-17 serve as a constant reminder to live lives adorned with the garment of gratitude. May our hearts always find reasons to give thanks, and may our lives be a sweet offering of praise to the One who deserves it all.
CALL TO ACTION:
• Start Your Day with Gratitude: Before you rise from your bed each morning, take a moment to thank God for the gift of a new day. Starting with gratitude sets the tone for the rest of the day.
• Count Your Blessings: Make it a habit to recognize and celebrate God's blessings throughout your day. Keeping a gratitude journal can be a helpful tool in acknowledging God's goodness.
• Express Gratitude to God Our Creator: Share stories of thankfulness with friends, family, and your church community. Encouraging each other with stories of God's faithfulness strengthens the body of believers and magnifies our collective gratitude.
