I’m Thankful For…

By Jim Faughn
     The first chapter of the book of Romans describes a disgusting and disastrous descent of mankind into some sins/lifestyles that would almost defy our imagination. That is, the descriptions of some of the sins would have defied our imaginations a few generations ago. Unfortunately, when one reads this chapter now, it is almost as though we are opening up the morning paper or turning on the evening news.
     Among the sad things that can be said about this passage is that it begins by describing people who, at one time, “…knew God…” (Rom. 1:21). The first steps on their downhill slide are found in that same verse: “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him” (Rom. 1:21, ESV).
     Thanksgiving, to a true child of God, is much more than a national holiday. As much as many of us like to gather with family and friends on a special day, thanksgiving (or gratitude) is more of a mindset or disposition than it is a day on a calendar. Each one of us should be able to produce our own individual lists of things for which we are thankful. Some of them may have to do with our health, our financial situation, the relationship we have with our family members, the privilege of living in this country, and many other things.
     While there would be some differences in our individual lists, there would also be some things in common on some of the lists. It is my opinion that each of us who is a Christian ought to have the same thing at the very top of each of our lists. It might be worded a little differently as each of us expresses it in our own way, but the message would be essentially the same.
     Here’s one version of what I have in mind. See if it’s not close to what you’d put at the top of your list:

“I am thankful for the fact that the God of heaven loved me enough to
send His son to die for my sins, allow me to be a part of His family on earth,
and to live with Him for all eternity.”

Can you think of anything better than that?

- Jim Faughn serves as an elder and preacher for the Central church of Christ in Paducah KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.orgCentral church of Christ