Recipe for Thanksgiving

One Cup of Contentment

      Contentment is very rare. Neither the rich nor the poor are content. And so thanksgiving is rare as well. A contented person recognizes that God knows best. Whether God has chosen to give him much or little, it is the right amount from a wise and loving Father. Such contentment must be learned.

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." (Philippians 4:11-12).

Ten Tablespoons of Thoughtfulness

Thinking of God’s many blessings will lead to thanksgiving. So times of meditation are needed: short ones at mealtimes, longer ones on rising and retiring, and regular ones in the worship assembly. If you think, you will thank.

 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2)

Six Teaspoons of Self-Knowledge

  Only when we recognize that we have no claim to anything at all will we be grateful for whatever God gives us. Those who presume that they deserve much do not give thanks but give vent to bitterness, envy, jealousy, and greed. These consume and destroy, but thanksgiving brings joy and enrichment of character for the days ahead.

“For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7)

All in a New Heart

    All of these ingredients are related. A thoughtful person will be contented; a contented person has faith in God’s wisdom; a wise man knows both how small and how great he is. And these graces  will be developed best when Jesus rules the heart, turning it from greed and envy to service and thanksgiving.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)