For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. (II Corinthians 4:15 ESV)
Peculiar People (Final Introduction)
When Americans travel overseas, sometimes we stand out as loudmouths. When Canadians travel overseas they stand out as very polite. When Australians travel overseas, they stand out as curious. When Brits travel overseas… they are… British.
One of the most peculiar things about God’s people should be that we are thankful. We have a heaven-eye-view that allows us to know that God is not only in charge, but is good. We have the examples in Scripture of things that seemed dreadful, but God was creating something wonderful. We have God’s commands to be thankful and to give thanks.
We have faith, which nudges us towards gratitude, hope, which nudges us towards gratitude, and love, which nudges us towards gratitude.
That is a lot of nudges.
And now we have a nudge towards gratitude on our calendar.
Give thanks without a sense that you deserved the blessings.
Give thanks without fear that the blessing will end.
Give thanks without taking credit yourself.
Give thanks without greed.
Be different, be thankful.
(Our examination of Peculiar People will start in full next week. Happy Thanksgiving!)